The Observer 03-02-2023

Covering Lee County, Alabama

Opelika Native Sticks it with 'Hairspray'

Opelika, Alabama

GSF Earns Second Chairman’s Challenge Award

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA —

Addison Garner is an Opelika native who has a deep-rooted love for musical theater.

“If you ask my parents,

I probably came out the womb singing and dancing,” she said.

Earlier this week, Garner returned to her hometown area to perform in the Tony Award-winning musical “Hairspray.” The production was showcased at the Gogue Performing Arts

Center in Auburn.

On the tour, Garner plays Velma Von Tussle, the snobby former pageant queen who can be classified as the villain of the show. Set in 1962 Baltimore, “Hairspray” depicts the story of teenager Tracy Turnblad and her pursuit

to dance on “The Corny Collins Show.” Velma produces “The Corny Collins Show” and is a domineering parent who pushes her own dreams onto her daughter.

“She clings onto her See GARNER, page A3

Auburn Family Shares Story for Rare Disease Day

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

AUBURN —

Rare Disease Day is an annual awareness day dedicated to elevating public understanding of rare diseases and calling attention to the special challenges people face — and it is as important in Auburn as anywhere across the globe.

Anthony and Lindsey

Terling are residents of Auburn and have raised their two sons in the city since birth. Their oldest son, Austin, was born with an ultra-rare disorder, and through a 501(c)(3) public charity they co-founded in his honor — Austin 1st Foundation Inc. — they have been raising

See RARE, page A2

CONTRIBUTED BY GOLDEN STATE FOODS

OPELIKA —

Last week, Golden State Foods (GSF) celebrated the 2022 Chairman’s Challenge Award winner, GSF’s Opelika Protein Products manufacturing facility — a repeat winner and only the second facility in GSF history to win the company’s highest honor for two consecutive years. A highly anticipated annual tradition for 23 years, the prestigious award recognizes the Opelika team’s exemplary performance in the areas of people, quality, growth, financial results and Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG).

“Congratulations and sincere thanks to all of our phenomenal Opelika associates on their tremendous success in earning the Chairman’s Challenge honors for two years in a row — a remarkable accomplishment that has only happened one other time in this award’s more than two decades in existence,” said Mark Wetterau, chairman and CEO of Golden State Foods. “Our extraordinary Protein Products team joins a highly exceptional circle of multi-year Chairman’s Challenge achievers.”

Highlighting the award-winning facility’s numerous achievements throughout 2022, GSF Corporate Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Brian Dick announced the Chairman’s Challenge Award at GSF’s Global Leadership Conference in Las Vegas. During the company’s annual awards ceremony, GSF Board Member Conrad Wetterau joined Dick in congratulating the 2022 Chairman’s Challenge winner on the award, which resulted from Opelika’s many accomplishments

See GSF, page A3

Opelika named as GSF’s Top-Performing Global Facility of 2022; earns highest company honor for second consecutive year.

An award-winning publication created 'For local people, by local people.'

Opelika Native Addison Garner (center) performs "Baltimore Crabs" as Velma Von Tussle in the Broadway production of "Hairspray."

Auburn Chamber Announces Annual Award Winners

CONTRIBUTED BY THE AUBURN

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

AUBURN —

Each year, the Auburn Chamber Annual Meeting is the largest gathering of the Auburn business community and serves as an opportunity to celebrate the successes of the past year, applaud outstanding area businesses and look forward to the year ahead.

This year’s meeting, held at the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center at Auburn University, featured remarks by the following:

Rusty Prewett, 2022 chair of the Auburn Chamber; Dr. Cory Smith, Auburn United Methodist Church; Taylor Britton, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Preferred Real Estate; Anna Hovey, Auburn Chamber; Mayor Ron Anders, city of Auburn; Bill Ham; and Julie Melton, 2023 chair of the Auburn Chamber. The meeting was presented by Berkshire Hathaway

HomeServices Preferred Real Estate and sponsored by Alabama Power, Ithaka Hospitality Partners, JeffcoatTrant Funeral Home, Prewett Pest Control and SouthState Bank.

The awards presented at this year’s annual meeting are as follows:

EAGLE AWARDS

Eagle Awards are presented to businesses or individuals who have made broad contributions to the Auburn community. Recipients must be members of the Auburn Chamber and in business in Auburn for no less than five years.

Recipients have made an impact in the community through at least one of the following categories:

Educational growth for employees and community, job opportunities, charitable contributions, civic contributions or aesthetic contribution via building and landscaping. The winners are as follows:

• Eagles Program at Auburn University – Job

Opportunity

• United Way of Lee County – Charitable

Contribution

• Town Creek Inclusive

Playground – Civic

Contribution

• Our Home Pharmacy – Aesthetic Contribution

AUBURN CHAMBER & AUBURN-OPELIKA TOURISM

PARTNERSHIP AWARD: TONY & LIBBA RANE CULINARY SCIENCE CENTER

This award was created to recognize a business, person or project that has been an excellent partner in tourism or instrumental in developing or driving tourism in our area.

YOUNG BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR: TIM SPICER, SPICER’S MUSIC

This award was initiated in 1994 to recognize a young business person for his or her achievement early in business.

NORM CALDWELL EXCELLENCE IN INDUSTRY

AWARD: ANDREW ALBRECHT, AUBIX

Created in 2002, the Norm Caldwell Excellence in Industry Award recognizes and honors an invaluable leader in industry.

TEAGUE AWARD (VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR):

HEATHER GOTTHELF, AUBURN THERAPY & LEARNING CENTER

The Teague Award, created in 1991, is named for Sam Teague, past chair, a chamber diplomat, member of the board of directors and the ultimate volunteer. This award serves as the chamber’s “Volunteer of the Year” award and is presented annually to an outstanding volunteer.

DIPLOMAT OF THE YEAR:

BRENDA HELLUMS, RENASANT BANK

The diplomats serve as the Auburn Chamber’s core group of volunteers and make everything the chamber does possible. The volunteers are its hosts, helpers and representatives.

SPIRIT OF AUBURN AWARD: COACH CADILLAC WILLIAMS, AUBURN UNIVERSITY

The Spirit of Auburn award was established in 2002 to honor an individual or group for his or her special contribution to the community.

HAM LIFETIME IMPACT

AWARD: BOB DUMAS

Created in 2019, the Ham Lifetime Impact Award pays tribute to an individual for 20 years or more of exceptional and impactful personal and professional contributions to the Auburn community. This award is known as the Ham Lifetime Impact

Award in honor of Bill Ham, former mayor of Auburn who served the Auburn community in many ways and whose impact continues to be felt in the business community today.

BEST OF SMALL

BUSINESS AWARDS

In late spring, after a communitywide vote, the chamber announced the Best of Small Business Awards in five different categories — emerging (operating less than five years), 1 to 10 employees, 11 to 50 employees, 51 to 100 employees and Retailer of the Year. The winners are as follows:

• Emerging: Well Red

• One to 10 employees: Ross House Coffee

• 11 to 50 employees: University Ace Hardware

• 51 to 100 employees: Baumhower’s Victory Grille

• Retailer of the Year: Lily Jane Boutique

CUSTOMER SERVICE CROWN

Each quarter of 2022, the Auburn Chamber presented individuals with Customer Service Crowns, an award that honors the hardworking service professionals who make our lives happier and easier. The winners are as follows:

• Chris Finley of Auburn Pharmacy

• Kasha Walters of The Hound & The Depot

• Laura Kirkpatrick & Brooke Slezak of Magnolia James Boutique

• Tony Laney of Food Bank of East Alabama

AUBURN YOUNG PROFESSIONALS AWARDS

Presented this year by River Bank & Trust, the Auburn Young Professionals program continues to engage and develop area young leaders. Several 2022 standout members were recently honored:

• Maria Lopez of Prewett Pest & Prewett Allstate Insurance Group received the Serve Award,

• Whitney Lee of Auburn University received the Develop Award and

• Dennis Davis of Summer Village received the Connect Award.

The ceremonial gavel was passed from current chair Rusty Prewett of Prewett Allstate Insurance Group to Julie Melton of

awareness and support for those affected by rare disease through Austin’s story.

Family and friends of the Austin 1st Foundation took part in a global movement for Rare Disease Day on Feb. 28, and a signed proclamation by Mayor Ron Anders and the city of Auburn officially made Feb. 28, 2023, Rare Disease Day in Auburn.

“The city of Auburn and I are proud to support the Austin 1st Foundation and the Terling family with this proclamation signing that creates awareness for those living with a rare disease in our community and nationwide,” Anders said.

Anthony “Austin” Terling Jr. peacefully passed away at his home in July 2022. He was born in June 2013 with a rare, genetic disease known as UBA5 Mutation. His condition is only known to be diagnosed in 40 to 50 people worldwide. It took four years for Austin to receive his diagnosis. Typically, it takes five years or more to receive a correct rare disease diagnosis.

Although Austin’s years were limited on this earth, the number of lives he touched and positively impacted was not. Austin required 24/7 medical care his entire life and suffered from numerous physical and cognitive issues related to the mutation of his UBA5 gene.

Motor control issues included hypotonia (floppiness), spasticity (stiffness) and movement disorders. Cognitive issues included seizures, intellectual disability and brain abnormalities. Growth issues

PUBLISHER: Michelle Key

included microcephaly (poor head growth) and failure to thrive. To paint a clear picture, Austin was never able to reach any major milestones in his development from birth to his last days on this earth. He never rolled over, crawled, sat up, walked, talked or anything without 100% help from his family or team of caregivers.

“Words can’t express the impact Austin made on our lives and so many others, even those that never met him,” Anthony said. “His memory and legacy will continue to live on through the charitable work of the Austin 1st Foundation.”

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a disease is rare if it affects less than 200,000 people in the United States. Over 25 million Americans live with a rare disease — and nearly half of those patients are children. Out of more than 7,000 known rare diseases, 90% are still without FDAapproved treatments. All pediatric cancers are rare, and there are over 500 rare cancers in general.

Wear blue in memory of Austin and for all people living or who have lived with a rare disease. The community is encouraged to post on social media how they are supporting and raising awareness for rare disease by tagging @ Austin1stFoundation with the hashtags #CareAboutRare #Austin1st.

Rare Disease Day is marked globally every year on the last day of February — the rarest date on the calendar — to underscore the nature of rare diseases and the challenges patients face. Rare Disease Day is sponsored in the United States by the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), the leading independent, nonprofit organization committed to the identification, treatment and cure of rare diseases.

For more information about Austin’s story and the Austin 1st Foundation mission, visit austin1stfoundation.org. For more information about Rare Disease Day in the U.S., visit rarediseaseday.us.

LIVE LEE EDITOR: Hannah Lester

MARKETING: Woody Ross

PHOTOJOURNALIST: Robert Noles

SPORTS EDITOR: Wil Crews

SPORTS WRITER: D. Mark Mitchell

STAFF REPORTER: Kendyl Hollingsworth

CORRECTIONS

The Auburn Chamber of Commerce's annual meeting was held at the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center.

See CHAMBER, page A3

Auburn University Public Relations Advisory Council Hosts Public Relations Day

CONTRIBUTED BY THE OAKS AGENCY

AUBURN —

Last Friday, Auburn University’s Public Relations Advisory Council hosted “PR Day” to bring valuable networking to Auburn University public relations students.

PR Day featured a Q&A panel of PR professionals from various industries who

former pageant title,” Garner said of her character.

“She so badly wants her daughter to follow in her footsteps and win ‘Miss Teenage Hairspray’ — which, again, nothing can stop her; her daughter does no wrong. And that brings about her hate for the lead of the show. That’s kind of where the story develops.

Velma is very anti-change; she doesn’t like the integration of things and of society because that would, of course, stamp on her daughter’s chances of winning.”

Garner was first cast in the role of Velma in 2018 for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. For the past five years, she has had ample time to explore and develop the character.

“Funny enough, I just watched a video of me playing it back in 2018 versus how I play her now,” Garner explained.

“Before the pandemic, I think I played Velma … because she can also be labeled as the racist character on the show … I think I played her very character-y and not real. And I think now, as we have seen, just because of the worldly events that have taken place the past couple of years, there are people like that still in society. Keeping her grounded, real and rooted in her beliefs and mannerisms has been both challenging but something I have been learning.”

When it comes to a production as beloved and well-known as “Hairspray,” Garner admitted she initially felt pressure to do justice to her role. It was, in fact, the first national tour she had ever been cast in.

“So, the stakes were very high,” she said. “We worked with original choreographers, producers

answered questions and gave advice to student attendees.

The featured panelists were Taylor Clark (USAA), Ally Dorrough (Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism), Eleanor Hawkins (Axios), Nicole Klein (Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex), John Atkinson (East Alabama Medical Center) and Kathryn Venzon (Jackson Spalding).

The panelists provided Auburn students with valuable advice on how to handle challenges, work through crises and prepare for their future careers now.

“Know what you can and cannot control,” Clark communications and operations executive for the USAA, said.

Hawkins, communications strategist and writer at Axios, shared that she would tell her

in Garner’s performing career is her voice coach, Lexie Sharp.

GARNER

and writers, so I did feel a lot of pressure on myself. But they did such a good job talking us through what this story means and what was written like 20 years ago versus the relevance now, and really encouraged us to make the characters our own even though these characters have been around for a long time.”

While Garner’s affection for singing and dancing has been apparent since she could walk and talk, the performer explained that she didn’t fall in love with theater until she was in the fifth grade. It was then that she performed as Annie in the musical “Annie.”

“That’s when I found out that I could combine my love for dancing, singing and acting all in one place,” Garner said.

Afterwards, Garner gave credit to the Opelika High School Theatre Department and its director, Revel Gholston, for pushing her toward becoming the performer she is today.

“That’s really where my love for it all flourished,” Garner said. “Revel Gholston, the theater teacher there — who I again credit most of my success to — is really one of a kind and continues to throw out wonderful productions. [He] is my teacher, my friend, my mentor. He pushes me, challenged me and took a chance on me when I was 14 years old and scared to death. Since then, we have just created a wonderful relationship.”

Another inspiration

“She challenges me but encourages me in a way that most people can’t do, and she is also a wonderful performer herself,” Garner said. “So, she is definitely someone who I have always tried to achieve to be like.”

Although Garner’s professional career has taken her all over the map, the 2010 Opelika High School graduate didn’t understate how excited she was to have a chance to come back and perform in front of those who watched her grow up.

“If only we were at the Opelika Performing Arts Center — that would be icing on the cake,” Garner joked. “It’s always been a dream of mine to be on a national tour. Taking my road family back to my hometown family is honestly something I have been looking forward to this whole tour. I saw “Hairspray” when it toured maybe 10 years ago and [thought] this would be so cool to do one day, and now I get to do it, so I am very excited.”

Garner said she is looking forward to returning to her roots and visiting her favorite local places, like The Breezeway, Cakeitecture Bakery and Sidetrack Coffee. Along with that, however, the performer is eager for her full-circle moment of coming back to perform in front of many who watched and helped her along the way.

“I’m just excited to be back in my hometown and hit my favorite places,” she said. “And, these are the people who saw me grow up and saw me work really hard. I actually booked this when I was at home, so it will be really cool for those people to see how my hard work and persistence has paid off.”

younger self to “take risks,” “get uncomfortable” and “put yourself out there.” Hawkins also highlighted how public relations elevates the role of communication in any field, even careers outside traditional communication jobs.

Klein, sales and marketing executive for the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex, encouraged current

GSF >>

FROM A1

throughout the past year. These accomplishments include performing to the highest standards in quality audits conducted internally, externally and with customers; successfully supporting customer demand while overcoming supply chain challenges; servicing customers through innovative solutions that increase equipment efficiencies; excelling in cost management; delivering financial results; improving associate experience survey scores; earning an industry safety award; and sustaining active GSF Foundation associate participation and community involvement.

“What an incredible, historic honor for our well-deserving Protein Products associates, as we have tirelessly pursued excellence together and driven this two-year winning streak with dedication and perseverance,” said Nate Murphy, group vice president of Operations – Protein Products. “What sets this outstanding Opelika team apart is

CHAMBER >>

FROM A2

students to get involved and to put themselves in the vicinity of people who advocate for them and want to advance them in their careers.

Atkinson, public relations and marketing director at the East Alabama Medical Center, echoed Klein’s advice and shared his experience of switching industries from athletics to health care. His story inspired students with

the passion we share to consistently put people first, to innovate and to live out our GSF Creed and Values in all we do for our customers, our community and our company.”

In addition to its second consecutive Chairman’s Challenge Award, the Opelika team earned GSF’s 2022 Quality Focus Award and Safety Excellence Award, as well as its third consecutive GSF “Best in Class” Platinum Award in the food processing category. Comprising the finalists for Chairman’s Challenge, the company’s annual “Best in Class” awards honor large facilities (Platinum Awards) and small facilities (Diamond Awards) in distribution and food processing.

For 2022, GSF Fresh! China won the “Best in Class” Diamond Award in the food processing category for its third consecutive year. The distribution category winners include firsttime honoree Quality Custom Distribution (QCD) Chicago West for the 2022 “Best in Class” Platinum Award and another repeat winner in its category,

the message that it’s never too late to find a job that best fits you.

As senior lead of communication engagement at Jackson Spalding, Venzon shared her “day-in-the-life” working for a major PR firm. She said her typical day on the job calls for media monitoring, responding and interacting with customers on

QCD Phoenix, Arizona, for the 2022 “Best in Class” Diamond Award.

ABOUT GOLDEN STATE FOODS

Golden State Foods (GSF), one of the largest diversified suppliers to the food service and retail industries, feeds 1 billion people every day. Headquartered in Irvine, California, the multi-national company is values-based with proven performance in superior quality, innovation and customer service. Established in 1947, GSF and its family of companies currently service more than 100 leading brands (125,000plus restaurants and stores in more than 50 countries) from its 50-plus locations on five continents. Its core businesses include the manufacture of liquid products, protein, produce, dairy/aseptic and it provides custom distribution services. The company employs approximately 6,000 associates and is 100% management-owned and run. Golden State Foods also operates a national nonprofit organization, the GSF Foundation.

ABOUT THE AUBURN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Auburn Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit service organization that provides resources and leadership to create a thriving business environment. Learn more at auburnchamber.com.

"You Can't Stop The Beat": Niki Metcalf (center) performs as Tracy Turnblad with several castmates in "Hairspray."

Northwestern Mutual. The chamber wishes to congratulate all the winners.

Top: Leigh Krehling (left), president of United Way of Lee County (UWLC), accepts the Eagle Award for Charitable Contribution. Pictured right is Tipi Miller, executive director of UWLC. Bottom, Auburn Mayor Ron Anders addresses the crowd.

Opelika is a fast-growing community and its traffic volume has increased tremendously over the past decade. This is particularly true among U.S. Hwy. 431 both north and south of I-85. Along a one-mile segment north of I-85, six school campuses lie adjacent to this highway and most of them have traffic signals that require motorists to stop and wait for long periods.

Additionally, a large

Letter to the Editor: Traffic Woes

wood processing plant (West Fraser Company) is located along the northern stretch of this highway. Each day, several hundred trucks enter and leave this plant through its only entrance which lies along 431.

Coincidentally, these trucks have to make a turn immediately in front of Opelika High School’s only vehicular entrance.

The segment of 431 south of I-85 is a dual routine coupled with U.S. Highway 280. This

is a heavily-traveled route of five lanes with a turn lane only in the middle of the roadbed.

Traffic movement at the intersection of 431 and I-85 (exit 62) is a nightmare at times because of so much congestion.

In my opinion, the solution to Opelika’s traffic problems along 431 is to construct a new bypass. Adding more lanes to the existing roadway will not solve the traffic problems of today, much less

the volume that will exist five to 10 years in the future. Adding a new bypass around Opelika’s north side will have a positive impact on the city’s economy. New businesses and industry will certainly be attracted along this route. Another positive result will be that West Frazer’s main entrance could be relocated off this new bypass. Plans for a new bypass should begin immediately because:

1. It takes several

years to select the exact location, acquire the needed right-of-way and to design and build the roadway.

2. Urban build-up (new subdivisions and other permanent improvements) increases the right-of-way costs substantially.

3. The longer the delay in starting the process, the further away from Opelika the bypass will be located.

4. Take advantage of Alabama’s recently enhanced legislation

KOB Celebrates Arbor Week, Gears Up for Spring Events

BY KENDYL HOLLINGSWORTH KENDYLH@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA —

Although Arbor Week has come to pass in Alabama, the efforts of Keep Opelika Beautiful and its volunteers will continue year round.

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey issued a proclamation last month declaring the week of Feb. 19 through 25, 2023, as Arbor Week in the state. National Arbor Day is observed each year on the last Friday in April, but Alabama’s Arbor Day was observed on Feb. 25 this year.

Arbor Day and Week shine a spotlight on trees, with extra efforts to educate the community about their importance — and to plant a few, of course.

“It was really fun,” said Priscilla Blythe, executive director of Keep Opelika Beautiful (KOB). “We did on Tuesday a planting and demonstration at Bandy Park … with the students at Opelika Learning Center. The middle school came out and helped plant — learned to plant three trees — so we involved the students for sure that way.”

George Barker, the city arborist, led the planting lesson for the students on Tuesday, according to Blythe.

Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller also attended the

event and spoke to the students.

The week culminated in an Arbor Day tree and seedling giveaway Saturday morning at Bandy Park. Gray skies and rain were not enough to keep citizens from showing up to pick out a free plant.

“We ended up giving away all of them,” Blythe said. “We had 30 three-gallon trees and 200 seedlings.”

Blythe said Barker also planted two more trees that day as a demonstration to the citizens, just as he had for the students earlier in the week.

The Saturday event was sponsored by the Alabama Department of Agriculture, Land and Trees Unlimited, the Alabama Urban Forestry Association, International Paper Company and the city of Hoover.

These efforts and more have earned Opelika a “Tree City USA” designation for 35 years — a longrunning feat that few cities in Alabama have achieved.

According to the Arbor Day Foundation, communities must meet four overarching standards to earn this distinction: maintain a tree board or department, have a community tree ordinance, celebrate Arbor Day and spend at least $2 per capita on urban forestry. Each of

those standards comes with its own further criteria that must be met to become a Tree City.

Blythe said part of that includes seeing more trees planted across the community than cut down each year. This past year, she said more than 200 trees were planted. Trees may oftentimes be cut down for safety reasons. The goal is also to spread out the planting of trees so that no part of the community is neglected.

“That’s another thing you have to do for Tree City is you have to, each year, include more in your mapping and map what’s in the city,” Blythe explained. “… They were focusing more on the downtown and planting this year, replacing some of the dogwoods that had to come down that were older for our Azalea and Dogwood Trail.”

The Azalea and Dogwood Trail is slated to start up this month. KOB coordinates the trail each year for citizens and visitors to enjoy as the cold, wintry weather is traded for springtime warmth and blossoms. According to the KOB website, the five-mile trail starts and ends at the corner of 2nd Avenue and 8th Street with green arrows directing participants along the

way. For a full list of directions, visit www. keepopelikabeautiful. com/azalea-dogwoodtrail.

On April 1, KOB will also host its semiannual Shred Day. Residents of Lee County are invited to bring their old documents in need of shredding to the old fire station, located at 600 8th Ave., anytime between 8 and 11 a.m. Shred Day is a drivethru event. Columbus, Georgia-based River Mill Data Management is partnering with KOB to offer shredding services.

Finally, KOB will host Garden in the Park Saturday, May 6, from 8

to solve long-needed transportation needs. The Rebuild Alabama Act of 2019 specifically provides revenue to address congestion and to enhance economic development.

The city of Opelika and its legislative representatives (House and Senate) should join together soon in a united effort to solve Opelika’s traffic problems. Let’s not wait any longer to start the process.

Charles Bush Opelika, Alabama

Children and adults learned how to plant trees last week as part of Alabama's Arbor Week. Keep Opelika Beautiful organized two events at Bandy Park that included a lesson in tree planting for students on Tuesday, and a tree and seedling giveaway for the community on Saturday.

See KOB, page A3

East Alabama Medical Center Receives Three 2023 Women's Choice Awards

CONTRIBUTED BY EAH

OPELIKA — East Alabama Medical Center (EAMC) has been named as one of America’s Best Hospitals by the Women’s Choice Award. The award signifies that EAMC is one of the top health care providers in the country based on a review of almost 5,000 hospitals.

EAMC was recognized as a top provider in cancer care, obstetrics and orthopedics. By carrying

the Women’s Choice Award seal in these areas, EAMC has joined an elite network of hospitals committed to a global mission of empowering women to make smart health care choices.

“Being recognized in three different areas is a testament to the dedication of our employees in providing our patients with highquality, compassionate health care,” said Laura Grill, president and CEO of East Alabama Health.

“We are honored by these awards, and we will continue to strive to provide our community with the best care possible.”

The Women’s Choice Award is the only distinction that identifies the nation’s best health care institutions based on robust criteria that considers patient satisfaction, clinical excellence, relevant accreditations and women’s preferences when it comes to

treatment and a quality hospital experience. Additionally, each service line award has supplementary criteria that are specific to the service line. The methodology is 100% objective, replicable and uniform. Only the top 10% of hospitals in the nation can qualify. For a full list of award methodology, visit the Women’s Choice Award methodology page.

EAMC earned

Leveraging Technology to Expand ESL Services

CONTRIBUTED BY LCLC

OPELIKA — Thanks to a Mobile Learning Fund grant award from New Readers Press, the Lee County Literacy Coalition (LCLC) is launching additional ESL services for adult learners.

While LCLC is proud of its ESL book club and plans to continue it, LCLC said it believes there is more to offer the learners it supports. This expansion includes one-to-one tutoring services in reading, writing and conversational English skills. The Mobile Learning Fund grant will allow LCLC to provide a high-quality educational experience. EnGen and Learning Upgrade programs will

enhance instruction when paired with traditional materials.

Learning a language is different than learning a content area. Constant practice yields real progress, and with a free license to either EnGen or Learning Upgrade, ESL learners can practice a little every day.

Learners will be able to receive on-demand instruction accessible from their phone or computer whenever it is most convenient for them. The EnGen and Learning Upgrade programs specialize in assisting individuals to improve their English skills and provides the learner with a curriculum that is tailored to their needs, interests and learning pace. These digital

English programs are designed to empower ESL learners.

The programs also provide an increased level of auditory and visual learning aids for improved reinforcement. LCLC is committed to increasing and leveraging resources to meet the current demand for literacy services, and promoting equitable access to literacy education for all adults in Lee County and neighboring counties. It does not matter if you are just starting to learn English or preparing for a new career or seeking to increase technical skills. Either way, LCLC is here to assist.

If you or anyone you know is interested in taking advantage of ESL tutoring, please

contact program manager Austin Pearson at 334-7050001. All services are free. Volunteer opportunities are also available.

ABOUT THE LEE COUNTY LITERACY COALITION

LCLC is a nonprofit agency dedicated to helping adults learn to read, write and use mathematics and computers at a level necessary to succeed and thrive. Free services include one-to-one tutoring for reading, writing, math, computer and GED preparation for adults in the Lee County and surrounding areas. Workshops in financial, health and digital/ workplace literacy are also offered. Learn more at www. leecountyliteracy.org.

Trinity Methodist Pre-K Celebrates Dr. Suess

Garden in the Park began in 2005 as a fundraiser “for a little red caboose,” according to the KOB website. The event continues to serve as a fundraiser, with funds being used to support community projects like landscaping vacant lots, adding trashcans to downtown, putting trees at Courthouse Square,

greenspace enhancements at schools and more.

Anyone with questions can reach out to Blythe at 334749-4970 or director@ keepopelikabeautiful. com.

Overall, Blythe said she hopes the efforts of KOB will encourage citizens to be more proactive in their environmental efforts, but also to simply enjoy

nature.

“I think we all need to get out more, and maybe if you’re planting trees, and then you watch it grow, it’s a learning experience for children — and for adults,” she said.

To learn more about Keep Opelika Beautiful, visit www. keepopelikabeautiful. com.

PR DAY >>

FROM A3

Chick-Fil-A’s social media networks.

Following the Q&A panel, students had the opportunity to network with the featured panelists and attend a LinkedIn and resume workshop with the panel. The professionals were able to offer advice on LinkedIn profiles and resumes, as well as compliment and critique those of individual Auburn students.

Events like PR Day

advance the education of Auburn PR students and will undoubtedly shape their future careers. AUPR is gracious to the PR Advisory Council for its commitment to the future of Auburn PR students.

Find more information about Auburn University’s Public Relations Program at www.cla.auburn. edu/cmjn/public-relations/, and the Auburn University Public Relations Advisory Council at www.cla. auburn.edu/cmjn/public-relations/.

See EAH, page A6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Municipal Park. The event includes art and food vendors, live entertainment, children’s crafts and rides on the Rocky Brook Rocket. Dog owners are encouraged to leave their pets at home for this event.

Hannah Dobos, director of Children’s Ministry, was the special reader on Monday, Feb. 27. Dr. Suess Day is celebrated as National Read Across America Day, March 2.

Lee County Young Farmers Named Commodity Division Winners

designation as a Best Hospital for Cancer Care award because it met the comprehensive cancer care standards of the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, as well as achieving excellence in clinical performance regarding cancer care measures and for its high patient recommendation rate. It also provides comprehensive care with a full range of diagnostic and treatment services.

EAMC ranked in the top 9% for cancer care in the nation.

of the Best Hospitals for Orthopedics. Apart from being a comprehensive facility, EAMC has high patient recommendation and recovery ratings, and low adverse surgical event scores. For orthopedics, EAMC ranks in the top 7% percent of hospitals in the nation.

Founder and CEO of the Women’s Choice Award, Delia Passi, emphasized that EAMC delivers on the care that matters most to women, who make over 90% of health care decisions.

ABOUT EAST ALABAMA HEALTH

Garrett and Robin Dixon of Lee County were named Peanut Division winners in the Alabama Farmers Federation 2023 Outstanding Young Farm Family (OYFF) contest during the organization’s Young Farmers Conference in Birmingham Feb. 25.

The statewide contest is for farmers ages 18 to 35 who receive most of their income from production agriculture. It measures success based on farm growth and diversification, Farm Bureau involvement and community leadership.

The Dixons raise row crops and cattle in Salem. As division winners, they will serve a one-year, ex-officio term on the Federation’s State Peanut Committee, where they’ll see the policy development process firsthand and help guide research, promotion and education work.From left are Federation State Young Farmers Committee Chair and Elmore County farmer Jonathan Edgar, the Dixons and federation Executive Director Paul Pinyan.

EAMC earned the Best Hospitals for Obstetrics award by providing the highest level of obstetric services based on its exceptional scores for patient recommendation, as provided by data reported by the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) surveys. Other factors were an analysis that weighs criteria identified as the most important to women for patient satisfaction, including early elective delivery rates, having a Level III/ IV NICU, holding “Baby Friendly” designation, and having infection and surgical complication scores that were ranked below the weighted national average for patient safety. EAMC is recognized for ranking in the top 10% for obstetrics care. By offering a full range of diagnostic and specialty services for patients with injuries or conditions of the muscles, bones or joints, EAMC earned recognition as one

“Being treated with the proper level of care impacts your health, well-being and healing, so our goal is to identify those hospitals that have demonstrated the highest level of quality care to their patients, with a special focus on the female experience. The Women’s Choice Award makes it easier for her to trust her decision that she is choosing one of the best hospitals for herself and her family.

“We have found that recommendations are the single most important consideration used by women in selecting a hospital or care center, so all of our methodologies take into account the hospital’s patient recommendation rating, along with a strong clinical performance,” added Passi. “By letting women know which hospitals in their area are among the best, we are able to reduce risk by helping them make better decisions and smarter health care choices.”

For more information on America’s Best Hospitals, visit www. womenschoiceaward. com/best-hospitals

East Alabama Health encompasses East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, EAMCLanier in Valley, the Spencer Cancer Center in Opelika, the Auburn Medical Pavilion and a host of other key medical clinics and practices that help provide a continuum of care to patients throughout an 11-county area. EAMC is a 314-bed regional referral hospital with a 26-bed Skilled Nursing Facility, while EAMC-Lanier provides inpatient services as well as a nursing home, an acute rehab unit and an ambulatory surgery center. East Alabama Health employs about 3,500 employees and is the second largest employer in the region, trailing only Auburn University. For more information, visit www. eastalabamahealth.org.

ABOUT THE WOMEN’S CHOICE AWARD

The Women’s Choice Award for Best Hospitals is a trusted referral source and coveted credential that identifies the nation’s best hospitals based on robust criteria that include relevant clinical performance, patient satisfaction and appropriate accreditations. The Best Hospitals demonstrate exceptional ratings, providing the highest level of care and commitment to its patients’ health and well-being. The Women's Choice Award is the only designation that takes into consideration the preferences of women when selecting a hospital. Visit www. womenschoiceaward. com/ to learn more.

vents, E

S Food ociety & News SHouthernospitality

UPCOMING

MARCH 2 TO 5: PADDLES AT THE PLEX

MARCH 3: CANDLELIGHT REMEMBRANCE SERVICE AT PROVIDENCE BAPTIST AT 7 P.M. (WEST CAMPUS - AT THE MEMORIAL)

MARCH 3: FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY

MARCH 5: INTERNATIONAL FLY FISHING FILM FESTIVAL

MARCH 6 TO 8: KNPC SPRING BREAK CAMP

Martha Myers Enjoys Preparing Family Favorite Dishes in Retirement

Ann Cipperly

After helping many families and children in Lee County as a social worker, Martha Myers is enjoying more time in retirement with her husband Ron, former district attorney, and their family. With her busy working schedule over the years, Martha didn’t have much time for cooking and is now looking forward to trying new recipes along with her specialties in their

new kitchen and on their deck for grilling.

Martha’s extensive career includes working at Lee-SCAN Inc., where she established “Children Cope with Divorce” (now known as “TransParenting”), Alabama's first courtmandated program for divorcing parents. She introduced and established “Special Deliveries,” a hospital-based primary prevention program for

parents who give birth at East Alabama Medical Center.

She served as director of community services for the Lee County Youth Development Center, was a social worker at the Tallapoosa County Girls Ranch and a part-time grief specialist and social worker for Hospice Compassus.

Martha is a recipient of the Lee County “Friend of the County” award and was

recognized as an “Advocate for Children” presented by the Children's Advocacy Center of Lee County. She has been active in many organizations, and the

Road.

Myers family are members of Auburn United Methodist Church.

Martha was born in Montgomery and grew up in the area that is now Pike

P H O T O C O N T R B U T E D T O T H E O B S E R V E R

See CIPPERLY, page A10

AACT Young Performers Bring Sherlock to Life with ‘Holmes & Watson: The Game’s Afoot’

ABOUT AACT

CONTRIBUTED BY AACT

AUBURN —

Auburn Area Community

Theatre (AACT) Young

Performers, ages 13 to 18, are gearing up to bring audiences tales of mystery and enduring friendship with “Holmes & Watson: The Game’s Afoot.”

This show is directed by AACT Young Performer

alum Nick DiJulio, a junior at Auburn University working on his Bachelor of Fine Arts in performance. Though the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center is under renovation, AACT has partnered with Grace United Methodist Church to bring these tales to life. The show must go on.

When desperate people come to 221B Baker Street in search of aid, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are always there to help. Based on four classic short stories by Arthur Conan Doyle, this play is comprised of four different

stories, each with its own cast. This quartet of conundrums will put even Holmes' deductive genius and Watson's stout heart to the test.

The remarkable duo must match wits with a dastardly blackmailer, recover a coronet of priceless gems, trace a vanished bride and solve a murder so strange that Watson considers it the most singular of all their cases. Performances will be on March 23, 24 and 25 at 6:30 p.m. There will also be a matinee performance March 25 at 2 p.m. All performances will take place at Grace United Methodist Church, 915 E. Glenn Ave. in Auburn.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Call 334-246-1084 or visit www.auburnact.org for ticket purchases and more information. Email info@ auburnact.org for group rate information.

Ash Wednesday

this on my own.”

“Please, let me,” the kid said in a pronounced Latino accent. “It would be my pleasure to help you.”

SEAN DIETRICH

Ash Wednesday. The first day of Lent. I saw him in a Birmingham supermarket. He was young. Latino.

Maybe 11 or 12. He was wandering through the aisles, helping random people.

I have been writing this column for a decade now.

Some days it’s a struggle. Some days you can’t find things to write about. Some days you come up dry and resolve to give up and get a

job at Old Navy. Other days, a column falls into your lap. This kid was a gift from the column gods.

I was visiting the supermarket to buy beer and necessities. The kid was in my aisle, helping an elderly woman reach something from the top shelf. I eavesdropped on their conversation.

“You don’t have to help me,” the old lady said. “I’m perfectly capable of reaching

I saw the kid again. This time in the Cheez-It aisle. I was buying Bold Cheddar Cheez-It Grooves. You have not lived until you’ve eaten Bold Cheddar CheezIt Grooves. The kid was helping someone else. A middle-aged woman. He was lugging the woman’s heavy basket. I was touched.

When the kid passed me, I noticed the ash mark on his forehead. And that’s when I realized today was Ash Wednesday.

I don’t keep up with the traditional church calendar because I did not grow up celebrating many traditionally observed holy days.

Ash Wednesday is a day when millions of Christians around the globe participate in fasting, abstinence and prayer for 40 days until Easter.

Sadly, my family was Southern Baptist. In my religious tradition, we practiced 40 years of uptightness until you got constipated and your preacher ran off to Miami with his secretary.

I followed the boy around the store, taking mental notes.

I saw him in a checkout lane. He was helping an elderly man scan his groceries and bag his items.

I followed the kid out to the parking lot. He was pushing a young mother’s cart, loading her vehicle with bags of groceries.

I waited for the kid to ask the lady for money, but he

never did. He God-blessed her and moved on.

In the parking lot, I asked him what he was doing. I asked if he was a Boy Scout or something.

“No,” he said. “I’m helping because today is Lent.”

It is my understanding that Lent is all about “not” doing stuff. Not performing random acts of charity and goodwill.

“Everyone does it in their own way,” he said. His family is from Guatemala. His parents came to America hitchhiking on a train. They earned their citizenship when they were in their late 20s. Life has been very difficult for them.

His mother cleans with a cleaning crew. His father is a commercial roofer. The kid’s life fell apart when he was only 9. The boy was helping

his father with a roofing job when the kid fell off the roof. He broke his neck.

“I knew I would die,” said the boy. “But my mother, she ask God to heal my neck, and God did. God saved me. From that day, my mother say I belong to God, and not me.”

He had a simple innocence about him. The kind of innocence that the world will eventually take away. Although I hope it never steals his.

The kid asked if I needed help with anything. I said no, I was fine. I asked him what the ash stood for on his forehead.

“I don’t really know,” he said. “But I know it’s something my family does every year, and I know it’s something very good.” Works for me.

Opelika Community Theatre: New Name — Same Mission

Opelika Community Theatre Partners with Missoula Children’s Theatre and Penguin Project

CONTRIBUTED BY OPELIKA COMMUNITY THEATRE

OPELIKA — Opelika Community Theatre (OCT) was founded in August 2015 by a group of five individuals. Formerly known as Opelika Theatre Company, its mission was to create a community theater to support, embrace and include talented people of all ages interested in the performing arts.

For seven years, Southside Center for the Arts, located at 1103 Glenn St., has been its home base. OCT is proud to be sponsored by the city of Opelika and provides several community outreach programs annually, such as the Black History Month Annual Talent Showcase, and The C.A.S.T. Program (Creative Aging for Senior Theatre). OCT also established the O-ACT Academy for ages 3 and up, offering classes in acting and musical theater from beginner to advanced levels.

OCT has also been

appointed as the second chapter in Alabama for the Penguin Project Foundation, which provides the opportunity for individuals who are developmentally and physically challenged to be able to experience performing in a modified version of a Broadway show assisted by individual mentors on stage. The Penguin Project is projected to launch sometime in mid to late summer 2023.

The Missoula Children's Theatre (MCT), the nation’s largest touring children’s theater, has been touring extensively for more than 40 years now from Montana to Japan, and will visit nearly 1,200 communities this year with up to 44 teams of tour actors and directors. A tour team arrives in a given town with a set, lights, costumes, props and make-up, everything it takes to put on a play — except the cast.

The team will take up residency with Opelika Community Theatre’s Summer Theatre Camp. Camp dates are June 5

through 10, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Camp slots are allocated for 64 students ages 5 to 17, with 16 slots limited to ages 5 through 8. Camp is located at the Southside Center for the Arts.

On the first day of camp, The MCT team will hold auditions to cast the show, and select four student directors to assist the MCT team. The show is rehearsed throughout the week and two public performances are presented on Saturday, June 10. All MCT shows are original adaptations of classic children’s stories and fairytales — a twist on the classic stories that you know and love.

The camp also consists of musical theater classes, basic dance, improv, scene studies, acting exercises and much more.

The MCT tour team and OCT will be emphasizing creativity, social skills, goal achievement, communication skills and self-esteem during the week. These are all

characteristics attained through participation in this unique, educational project. MCT and OCT’s mission is the development of life skills in children through participation in the performing arts.

The Missoula Children's Theatre is based in Missoula, Montana, and also runs many local programs there. These include musical theater day camps and performing arts classes for local children, a summer residency Performing Arts Camp for students from around the world, and

the Missoula Community Theatre, as well as touring teams that travel nationally and internationally. MCT has also held residencies at Alabama Shakespeare Theatre in Montgomery, as well as Birmingham, Atlanta and surrounding areas.

OCT creates an opportunity for talent of all ages to participate in largescale productions, offering weekly classes at Southside Center for the Arts.

OCT students are trained with the necessary tools to prepare them for college and professional auditions.

Several OCT students have received college scholarships and commercial performing opportunities.

OCT sustains membership in several professional theater organizations such as American Association for Community Theatre, South Eastern Theatre Conference and Alabama Conference of Theatre.

For more information regarding OCT and summer camp, call 334-400-9660, email opelikatheatrecompany1@ mail.com or visit www. opelikatheatrecompany.com.

Beloved Children’s Classic Comes to the Springer

‘The Cat in the Hat’ to Bring Mischief, Merriment to McClure Stage

CONTRIBUTED BY SPRINGER OPERA HOUSE

COLUMBUS, GA. —

The world’s most favorite feline has set his sights on the Springer.

“Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat” is bringing eclectic entertainment and hilarious hijinks for children of all ages to the Springer’s McClure Stage. The production, performed as part of the Children’s Theatre Season at the Springer, is a lively and engaging experience that tells the story of Sally and her brother, who are bored at home on a rainy day. When the Cat in the Hat appears with tricks and things and games to play, their day is filled with mischief, madness and imagination.

Written by Dr. Theodore Suess Geisel in 1957, “The Cat in the Hat” was an instant success and quickly became a childhood literary classic. Today, millions of young readers and fans easily recognize the iconic red and whitestriped hat and red bow

tie as elements of the characters’ quirky costume. Along with companions in chaos, Thing 1 and Thing 2, additional characters who leap into reality onstage include an overly cautious fish and the children’s unsuspecting mother, who appears via voiceover off stage. The Springer’s production is directed by Maddie Tweed, who also directed the Children’s Theatre production of “Dragons Love Tacos” earlier this season.

“I’m excited to share this version of Dr. Seuss’s tale with audiences in Columbus. It truly feels like the book has come to vibrant, and somewhat mischievous life, on the stage,” said Tweed, a graduate of Columbus State University’s Theatre Department. “It’s like a whimsical pop-up version of the story complete with in-your-face action that pays homage to the sentiment of the book and pulls the audience into the performance. The costumes and the set are beautifully designed in a

minimalistic way that doesn’t feel bare while allowing imaginations to soar.”

The production team includes Max Nolan Young (scenic design), Patti Jo Fenzel (props design), Julianne Slaton (sound design), Alex Allison (costume design), Katie Underwood (lighting design), Walter Pigford (technical direction) and MH Harrison (stage management).

“The Cat in the Hat” runs March 3 through 31 and includes weekday matinee Arts in Education performances that provide professional theater experiences for students at a reduced rate of admission. More information about the Arts in Education performances is available by calling 706-324-1100 or emailing education@ springeroperahouse.org. Details on additional show times and tickets can be found on the Springer Opera House website, www.springeroperahouse.org.

"Dr. Suess's The Cat in the Hat," will be performed at The Springer Opera House in Columbus, Georgia, March 3 through 31.

CIPPERLY >> from A7

was kin to everybody. My grandmother was a good influence on me and had a love of cooking, as well as my mother.”

The family had a big garden every year. They raised cattle and showed calves and horses.

“It was a great place to grow up,” she said.

Martha graduated from Jefferson Davis High School, attended the University of South Alabama and graduated from Auburn University.

After she and Ron married, Martha received a master’s degree from Auburn.

Ron grew up in Vandalia, Illinois. He graduated from Bradley University and Drake Law School.

CIPPERLY RECIPES

MARTHA’S SPECIALTY GRILLED

FILET

Serve steaks with a tossed green salad.

I love to add sliced olives, avocado slices, tomatoes and chopped peppers to my salad and toss with freshly made mixtures of ranch or Italian dressing. My friend, Sheree Harper, put

After law school, Ron was offered a position at Auburn University teaching business and constitutional law.

After a few years, he was appointed district attorney by the governor in 1973 and served for 26 years.

Martha and Ron have four children, who are grown and live in Auburn, except for Ron’s elder daughter, Debbie, who resides in St. Louis, Missouri. Their son, John David, works with Building and Earth Engineering, while their son Matthew, chief operation officer of Guthrie’s, and his wife Kelsey have three children. Their younger daughter, Caroline O’Neil, is a licensed clinical social worker. She and her husband Brian have four children.

“We enjoy lots of family

me onto the sliced olives, and we love this additional zesty flavor.

Grilled slices of squash and zucchini or asparagus are also great sides with steak. I just brush them with a little olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt and a little pepper.

6 – 8 oz. beef tenderloin filets, approximately 1 ½ inches thick (You can also use a

time and feel very blessed to live in the same town with most of the kids and grands,” Martha said. “A big part of our lives includes Ron’s five cats and my two shelties.”

With family living in the area, they had their kitchen completely redone to have more space when they visit.

It had been renovated about 10 years ago, but it didn’t meet the needs of their family. Martha met with a designer and decided to gut the kitchen, laundry room and pantry. The deck was also expanded with a door in the kitchen to provide easy access to the grill.

The new kitchen includes a large island with seating on one side, great lighting, white cabinets and a glass front navy hutch.

“I am so pleased with my new kitchen,” Martha

cheaper cut, such as a strip steak, but be sure to use tenderizer in your seasoning and refrigerate for at least an hour.)

McCormick’s Chicago Steak seasoning or salt and pepper

2-3 Tbsp. olive or vegetable oil and 1 Tbsp. Dales Sauce combined in a small bowl

I use a charcoal grill and allow the coals to burn down to a hot glow.

said. “It is so much more functional. One reason we redid the kitchen is because we have seven grandchildren. We want to have plenty of room for them.”

Martha’s specialties are holiday meals, desserts and most anything on the grill, especially her grilled steaks.

“Our current renovation was inspired by my need for convenience and easy access to the grill,” she said. “A menu of family favorites includes a beef tenderloin filet over grilled asparagus, a green salad made with whatever is in the refrigerator, Wickles deviled eggs and a twicebaked potato if we’re not on a diet.”

Martha’s family had cattle, and her father taught her how to cook steaks. Her father built a brick grill in

Once I get the grill started, I pat each steak with the olive oil and Dales sauce mixture, then season with McCormick’s Chicago Steak seasoning. We love this seasoning, but there are many rubs and seasoning mixtures on the market now. Some folks just prefer salt and pepper.

Once the coals are just right, I sear each side, then cook on a raised rack for

their background. The entire family would sit around the grill and tell stories and look at the stars as her father cooked ribs and steaks on the grill.

While Ron had not grilled much, it was something that Martha enjoyed doing. She has enjoyed trying different kinds of steaks and seasonings, but she always goes back to something simple. She prefers to cook tender beef tenderloin filets. While other steaks have more marbling, they don’t care for the fat. She finds placing steaks on metal plates keeps them warmer longer.

For dessert, the family’s favorites are Alma’s fudge bars, one of Martha’s mother’s favorite recipes, and grandson Ethan’s favorite, Key lime pie. The fudge bars are so popular

6 minutes. I time this carefully. This should be adjusted as to how well done you and your family like their steaks cooked.

I remove the steaks to a warm plate and allow them to rest a few minutes before serving. I also use metal steak plates which keep the steaks warm longer.

EASY CREAMY

that Kelsey had the recipe engraved on a wooden plaque for Martha.

Since retiring, they have enjoyed traveling. They have visited Cuba, Ireland and Scotland. They are planning a European river cruise this spring.

“I have always loved children,” Martha said, looking back on her career as a social worker. “I loved my jobs. I never had a job I didn’t love. I am blessed to have had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful children and their families.

“I was blessed to work with wonderful people. You work with many people when you work with children, especially in foster care situations. It was a blessing to be able to do the things I have done. I was glad to help where I was needed.”

RANCH PORK CHOPS OR CHICKEN BREASTS

Martha Myers

Serve with steamed broccoli, greens beans or other vegetables of your choice.

1 Tbsp. vegetable or olive oil

4 boneless pork chops or 4 bone-in or chicken filets

Salt and pepper

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 soup can of milk

1 pkg. ranch salad

Taziki’s Mediterranean Café to Celebrate 25th Anniversary

CONTRIBUTED BY KAT MCMANIGLE / ON BEHALF OF TAZIKI'S

OPELIKA —

For 25 years, Taziki’s Mediterranean Café has been serving fresh, delicious and vibrant Mediterranean fare.

And now, the brand wants to give back to its communities with a celebration that the whole family can enjoy.

Starting March 1, and falling within Greek Heritage Month, the acclaimed café is honoring its 25th anniversary and showing appreciation to its loyal guests by partying like it’s 1998. That’s right, Taziki’s is serving select menu items at the original price from 25 years ago throughout the month with a new offer each week including:

CIPPERLY RECIPES

from A10

>>

dressing mix, divided Sprinkle salt and pepper on choice of pork or chicken (I use Adolph’s seasoned meat tenderizer on pork chop, but not on chicken.)

Heat oil in skillet.

Add pork or chicken and cook until done.

Mix soup, milk, and half pkg. ranch dressing mix in small bowl then pour over meat. Heat to a boil, reduce heat and cover, cook on low setting for approximately 10 minutes. Sprinkle with paprika.

Serve with ranchstyle rice. Add remaining salad dressing mix to water with cooking rice.

CHICKEN TACO

SOUP

Caroline Myers

O’Neil

I love this recipe. It's a go-to anytime of the year.

Serve with Fritos, tortilla chips, sour cream and shredded cheese.

1 lb. chicken (boiled and sliced)

1 can stewed

tomatoes

1 can Rotel tomatoes

1 can creamed corn

1 can whole kernel

corn

1 can pinto beans

1 can kidney beans, drained

1 can black beans

2 cups water

1 pkg. dry ranch mix

1 pkg. taco

Seasoning mix

I usually dump everything in the crock pot and let simmer on low during the work day. You could also dump everything in a pot on the stove top, and simmer for at least 30 minutes.

CREAMY CHICKEN AND CHILE

ENCHILADAS

Kelsey Myers

• March 1 through 5 —

Traditional Hummus Dip for $2 (6 oz. portion),

• March 6 through 12 — Greek Lemon Chicken Soup for $3.50,

• March 13 through 19

— Greek Salad for $5.75 (no protein),

• March 20 through 26 Taziki Dip for $2 (6 oz. portion) and

• March 27 through 31 — A free commemorative 25th anniversary cup with every beverage purchase (while supplies last).

In addition, guests can jam out to their favorite '90s hits inside the café to fully get the experience of living life before the turn of the century.

Taziki’s has come a long way in the last 25 years. It now serves its modern Mediterranean

1 lb. uncooked chicken breast strips

1 pkg. (8 oz.)

cream cheese, cut into strips

1 can (4.5 oz.) Old El Paso chopped green chilies

1 pkg. (12 count)

Old El Paso flour

tortillas for soft tacos and fajitas

2 cans (10 oz. each) Old El Paso green chili enchilada sauce

¾ cup (3 oz.) shredded cheddar cheese

Heat oven to 400 degrees.

Lightly grease

13 x 9-inch baking dish. Cook in 10inch skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until no longer pink to center.

Add cream cheese and chiles; reduce heat to medium.

Cook and stir until blended and cream cheese is melted.

Spoon chicken filling onto tortillas, roll up and place seam side down in baking dish. Pour enchilada sauce over top. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Bake 15 or 20 minutes or until hot and cheese is melted.

Can serve with guacamole dip and chips.

Guacamole Dip: 3-4 ripe avocados

½ white onion

Fresh Roma

tomatoes

Cilantro

Lime juice

Mash and mix the ingredients together.

Serve fresh as a dip with nachos.

MEXICAN COLESLAW

Martha Myers

1 bag shredded cabbage and carrots (4 or 5 cups)

1/3 cup chopped

cilantro

Lime Dressing:

1/3 cup lime juice

½ tsp. ground cumin

fare to customers at 87 locations in 16 states from Colorado to West Virginia. Taziki’s has exciting plans to expand into new markets in 2023.

“Our brand is bigger than just us and we thank everyone for celebrating our silver anniversary,” said CEO of Taziki’s Dan Simpson. “We began in Birmingham after a trip to Greece

1 tsp. honey

2 cloves garlic minced or ½ tsp. garlic powder Sprinkle of salt and pepper

½ cup olive oil

Combine dressing ingredients, then toss in with cabbage and cilantro mixture until completely covered in dressing. Chill for at least an hour then serve.

CRYSTAL LIGHT

LIME PIE

Caroline Myers

O’Neil

This is a good dessert to serve with the Creamy Chicken and Chile Enchiladas.

1 ½ cups skim milk

2 pkgs. Jell-O sugar free, fatfree, vanilla instant pudding

Two 8 oz. cartons

Cool Whip, sugar free, thawed, divided 1 tub crystal light lime or lemonade or any other flavor

2 reduced fat graham cracker pie

crusts

Mix milk and puddings on high speed until thick for about 1 minute. Blend in 1 1/2 tubs of Cool Whip until well mixed. Save the other half of the tub for the topping. Sprinkle crystal light over mixture and fold in until well blended. Pour into pie crusts and top with extra Cool Whip. Chill in the refrigerator prior to serving.

CHICKEN DIVINE

Caroline Myers

O’Neil

I like to serve the chicken over rice with a salad or a green vegetable.

Small jar of dried beef

4-6 chicken breasts

Bacon

8 oz. tub sour cream

1 can cream of mushroom soup

Coat 9 x 13- inch

where our founder Keith Richards and his wife Amy discovered smalltable Mediterranean cafés. They fell in love with the idea that everyone in the community gathered to connect around healthy flavors and to celebrate life in these cafés. They wanted to replicate that feeling of warmth and togetherness, so they opened the first Taziki's

pan with cooking spray. Line bottom of dish with dried beef. Wrap each chicken breast with bacon and lay on top of dried beef.

In a separate bowl, mix sour cream and cream of mushroom soup together. Pour mixture over chicken and spread evenly. Cover with foil and cook at 300 degrees for 2 hours and 15 minutes.

ALMA’S FAVORITE FUDGE BARS

Martha Myers

Until her health no longer allowed for it, my mother held a Christmas Tea each and every year since I can remember. It was one of those things that was just expected by our family and friends, young and old. It was held the Sunday before Christmas each year at our home in Pike Road. One year she even designed and compiled a little cookbook of recipes of the food she had served at the tea and gave them as favors to her guests. I still have mine and use it often when preparing treats for my family and friends. One of our favorite recipes was for Alma’s Favorite Fudge Bars as follows:

Cream together:

½ cup butter, room temperature

Mediterranean Café in 1998.”

For the sixth year in a row, the Mediterranean diet has been ranked best overall diet in the U.S. News & World Report annual rankings. Taziki’s is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious, vibrant, Mediterranean meal and — a healthy lifestyle.

With opportunities across the country, Taziki’s has a wide network of resources for franchise partners that allows qualified partners to bring the Mediterranean lifestyle to their neighborhood. To learn more about this hyper-growth restaurant named “No. 1 Mediterranean Franchise in 2022” by Entrepreneur Magazine, visit www. TazikisFranchising.com.

2 cups sugar

Add, mix well :

2 eggs

4 (4 oz. box) softened squares

unsweetened baking chocolate

Then add alternating/mixing:

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp. baking powder

½ tsp. salt

1 ½ cups milk

2 tsp. vanilla

1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, optional

Pour into 9 x 13-inch greased baking pan and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Do not overcook. Frost as indicated below or eat plain after cooling a bit.

Frosting/Glaze:

Cream together:

1 ½ tsp. cocoa

1 Tbsp. milk

1 ½ tsp. butter

2/3 cup confectioner’s sugar

¼ tsp. vanilla

Frost while still very warm and allow to cool a bit. My favorite is to serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Also yummy cut into small squares and served as a party treat which mother did.

CROCK POT

CANDY

Family favorite.

The crock pot candy is what I make as Christmas treats for everyone.

2 jars peanuts, one salted, one unsalted

ABOUT TAZIKI’S MEDITERRANEAN CAFÉ

Founded by Keith and Amy Richards in 1998, Taziki’s Mediterranean Café is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama. Taziki’s is a fresh celebration of the Mediterranean diet with a colorful menu that offers handcrafted, elevated, affordable fare the entire family enjoys. Much of the original menu is still the same, with added efficiency in the process and technology to make the brand a systems-driven, scalable operation. Taziki’s continues to grow with more than 80 locations operating today. For more information, visit www. tazikis.com and follow Taziki’s on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

1 bag semi-sweet chocolate morsels

1 bar semi-sweet chocolate

2 pkgs. white chocolate (1 whole bag and 1/4 of the second) Peanut butter, optional

Place peanuts in the bottom of the crock pot. Top with everything else. Cook on low until everything is melted, stirring often. Spoon out onto wax paper and let it set to hard. Store in the refrigerator.

Note:

Above is the original recipe. I like to use a bar of almond bark, a bar of milk chocolate, two bags of semi-sweet morsels and most of a small jar of creamy peanut butter, in addition to two jars of salty peanuts.

Place the peanuts on the bottom of the crock pot in order to prevent the chocolate from burning and sticking.

Once everything has melted, I like to crush up pretzels and pour a thin layer on the top of the melted chocolate before I start to spoon out the mixture. This keeps the pretzels crunchy instead of becoming soggy.

I also like to place my wax paper on cookie sheets. Once I fill a cookie sheet, I place the cookie sheet in the refrigerator to help harden the candy faster.

LCHS Hosts Inaugural Golf for Paws Tournament

CONTRIBUTED BY THE LEE COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY

AUBURN —

The inaugural Golf for Paws Tournament benefiting Lee County Humane Society was held Thursday, Feb. 23, with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. at the Saugahatchee Country Club. This tournament brought in 104 golfers from the AuburnOpelika area, with some golfers traveling from

Birmingham to compete in the competition.

The Lee County Humane Society (LCHS) expressed excitement about the outcome, saying it never expected its first ever golf tournament to be such a huge success. Before the competition was held, every sponsorship and spot was completely full, with Saugahatchee accommodating a few more that wanted to support the cause and who

love the sport of golf.

The weather was beautiful despite February’s unexpected highs and lows, and the four-man scramble concluded with a reception of refreshments and hors d’oeuvres.

Team Crowell took home first place in the tournament, Tyler Smith won the Longest Drive award, Bob Lamb won Closet to the Pin and Brian Benson won the putting competition.

LCHS thanked Moon Golf, Teetime Golf & Rumble BoxingAuburn, Simply Media, The Observer, Niffer’s, Momma G’s, John Emerald Distilling Company, Crumbl Cookies, Topstitch Sewing & Alterations and Circles of Colors for donating to the reception.

LCHS also offered a special thanks to its sponsored support from Slocumb Law Firm as the tournament sponsor,

the Sexton family as the title sponsor, Waynes Pest Control as the birdie sponsor, the Caskey family as the reception sponsor, LowderScott Real Estate - Prestige Properties as the eagle sponsor, Wisdom Firm LLC & Equity Investment Mortgage as the condor sponsor, John Killmaster - StateFarm as the par sponsor, ScottBridge as the hole in one sponsor, Norco as the albatross sponsor,

Shoff Accounting as the bogey sponsor, and the following hole sponsors: University Ace, Envirogreen, Teetime Golf, Prewett Pest Control and Prewett Insurance, the Callahan family, Stone Martin Builders, Kali Chadick-State Farm and Summer Village.

LCHS said it is looking forward to making the Golf for Paws Tournament an annual event.

The Lee County Humane Society hosted its first Golf for Paws benefit tournament at the Saugahatchee Country Club Thursday, Feb. 23. The humane society plans to host another tournament in 2024.

RELIGION —

The Torah’s good neighbor policy (Deuteronomy 22:14) was about more than simply making sure everyone’s lost ox, sheep, cloak or “anything else” (see v. 3) found its way back to its owner. It

We Need More Pearls

was about cultivating community. Lost animals or objects simply provided opportunities for relationships to be enhanced and grown. Not everyone would look at it this way, but that’s the way God wanted His people to view it.

When a clam, oyster or other member of the mollusk family gets something trapped in its soft tissue like a grain of sand, bacteria or even a food source, it secretes a protective substance around it, and this becomes a pearl. A pearl then is the mollusk’s response to the opportunity presented by the stimulant.

That’s exactly the way God wanted Israel to approach the “stimulants” that presented themselves in the opportunities to help their neighbor. If they were handled the right way, they could become pearls.

There is profound relational truth here. We are often under the impression that community is built through shared interests, spending time together and social media. Those things are all fine and certainly have their place, but the “pearl” of community is being there for someone in their time of need. It is having someone’s back and looking out for

them. Think about your biological family. You may or may not have shared interests, spend much time together or be active users of social media. But for most families, when you need them, they will be there for you. You know you can count on them. That is why when people want to brag about a community there are a part of, they don’t call it a club, a gathering or a social network — they speak of it as “family.”

This was God’s grand vision for Israel — that through honoring the opportunities that came their way through the natural course of life, they would create

BIBLE VERSE OF THE WEEK

“pearls,” resulting in valued community. It is no less His vision for the church today. It doesn’t happen when we “follow” someone or are “friends” with them. It happens when we positively respond to opportunities to help and serve them.

To do this is to follow Christ’s example, for He said, “I am among you as the one who serves,” (Luke 22:27).

We need more pearls.

Green has written a book on the model prayer called “Praying in the Reign.” It is available through 21st Century Christian.

Find more of his writings at his website: www.a-taste-of-gracewith-bruce- green.com.

CHURCH DIRECTORY

334-705-0538

ANGLICAN

The Good Shepherd Anglican Church

3015 Opelika Road, Opelika

APOSTOLIC HOLINESS

God’s House of Prayers Holiness Church

301 Highland Ave., Opelika 334-749-9672

BAPTIST

Beulah Baptist Church

5500 Lee Road 270, Valley

A FB - Cooperative Baptist Fellowship 128 East Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-8506

Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 3089 Judge Brown Rd., Valley 334-710-2117

Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church 650 Jeter Ave., Opelika 334-749-9487

Green Chapel Missionary Baptist 390 Lee Road 106, Auburn (334) 749-4184

Pepperell Baptist 2702 2nd Ave., Opelika 334-745-3108

Providence Baptist Church 2807 Lee Road 166, Opelika 334-745-4608

Union Grove Baptist Church 4009 Lee Road 391, Opelika

334-749-0461

CHURCH OF CHRIST

10th Street Church Of Christ

500 N. 10th St., Opelika

334-745-5181

Church Of Christ

2215 Marvyn Pkwy., Opelika 334-742-9721

Southside Church Of Christ 405 Carver Ave., Opelika 334-745-6015

EPISCOPAL

METHODIST

Auburn United Methodist Church

137 South Gay St., Auburn 334-826-8800

Beulah United Methodist Church 5165 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-745-4755

NON-DENOMINATIONAL Church At Opelika

1901 Waverly Pkwy., Opelika 334-524-9148

Connect Church 2015 West Point Pkwy., Opelika 334-707-3949

Southern Plains Cowboy Church

13099 U.S. Hwy. 280 Waverly 334-401-1014

PENTECOSTAL

Gateway Pentecostal Sanctuary

1221 Commerce Drive, Auburn 334-745-6926

PRESBYTERIAN

Providence Presbyterian Church 1103 Glenn St., Opelika 256-405-8697

Trinity Presbyterian Church 1010 India Road, Opelika 334-745-4889

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST Opelika Outreach S.D.A. Church P.O. Box 386, Opelika 334-749-3151

BRUCE GREEN

Teaching Minister at 10th Street Church of Christ in Opelika

I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another. — Romans 15:14

Only Christ Can Remove the Veil Over Our Hearts

WALTER ALBRITTON

RELIGION —

Now and then a phrase in the Bible gets me to thinking — and sometimes my reflection ends in tears. Such a phrase caught my eye in the eighth chapter of Nehemiah. It was the words “all who could understand what they heard.”

he Prophet Ezra, having found “the book of the law,” called the people together and read God’s Word to hundreds of people. Ezra read it “in the presence of the men and women and all who could understand what they heard; and the ears of all the people were attentive.” The writer implies that many heard what Ezra said but some did not understand what they heard.

BOB WHITTENBURG

Bob Whittenburg, age 84, passed away peacefully on Feb. 22, 2023, at Bethany House in Auburn. He was born on May 22, 1938, in Pleasant Hill, Tennessee, the 12th of 13 children, to Ada Mae and Carlos Whittenburg.

Bob grew up on a dairy farm where he learned the value of hard work from an early age. Upon graduation from Pleasant Hill High School, he pursued a degree in animal science from the University of Tennessee. After two years of service with the Cooperative Extension Service in Pulaski, Tennessee,

Sometimes I weep in my soul when I realize that some of my listeners did not understand the gospel I had just proclaimed. In Nehemiah’s day and our own there are those in the audience who hear but fail to understand God’s Word.

Why this is true is no mystery. Every person hears what is said through their own set of “filters.” One filter could be the attitude that the Bible is ancient history that does not apply to us today.

Another filter might be the belief that the Bible is a fine book but hardly God’s Guidebook for living.

Jesus helps us realize why some people do not understand. He said that some folks are “confident of their own righteousness and look down on everybody else” (Luke 18:9).

These are the people who say to the preacher after the sermon, “I wish my Uncle Rufus had been here to hear that message.”

Saint Paul explains it this way: Some people have a “veil” over their

Bob accepted the position of livestock specialist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service at Auburn University in 1965. Over his 31 years of service, he was instrumental in developing the 4-H Livestock Program, where he impacted numerous youth throughout the state of Alabama. After retiring from Extension, Bob began a second career at the Auburn University ticket office until 2021. In all, Bob gave over 50 years of service to Auburn University.

While working on an Experiment Station in Spring Hill, Tennessee, Bob met the love of his life, Fredressa Nellums. They were

hearts, a veil that only Christ can remove.

“But whenever anyone turns to the Lord,” Paul says (2 Corinthians 3:16), “the veil is taken away.” Humbly accepting the mercy God offers us in Christ opens our eyes, our hearts and our minds to see how the Scripture applies to our lives.

Those who understood the Scripture Ezra read realized they were not living in a way that pleased God. They mourned over their waywardness. Ezra wisely invited them to move from weeping to celebrating the goodness of God. It is Ezra who gives us this truth so precious to Christians: “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Once you believe that, you can celebrate the grace of God every Sunday and worship will become a time of rejoicing.

What happened as a result of Ezra’s reading the Word of God is worth shouting about.

The temple had been rebuilt. The wall had been rebuilt. Now the

people began to rebuild their faith. Through years of exile the Jews had succumbed to cultural influences. They had forgotten their sacred traditions. They had lost the zeal they once had to obey the commandments of God. Their faith, like the wall around Jerusalem, had crumbled. So God sent Ezra to help them rebuild their faith.

Observe that God instructed the people to build “booths” made of tree branches. In each booth was a “group” of people. In these groups they listened for hours to the Word of God. They were guided by the priests and Levites to “study” the Scriptures. They concluded their study with a “solemn assembly.” The purpose behind the study of God’s Word was to renew their covenant with God — to love God with all their hearts, their neighbors as themselves and to keep God’s commandments.

Christians today are prone to drift away from obedience to God

OBITUARIES

married Aug. 11, 1963, and moved to Auburn in 1965 to start a career and family. When away from work, Bob coached his sons in all youth sports, was a faithful member of the Auburn United Methodist Church, and was an active member of the Auburn Lions Club. Bob had a special place in his heart for young people and had a strong desire to see them succeed. He was happiest being “Papa” to his grandchildren.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and an infant son, Carl. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Fredressa; sons: John (Amy) of Auburn and Russell (Margaret) of Birmingham;

grandchildren: Jack, William, Margaret Allen and Andrew.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and caregivers at East Alabama Medical Center, UAB Hospital and Bethany House for their care and support.

A graveside service for family and friends was held Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at Auburn Memorial Cemetery with the Rev. Charles Cumming officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be sent to REACH, 137 S. Gay St., or P.O. Box 3135, Auburn, AL 36831. www.aumc.net/ reach

just as the Jews did. We break our sacred covenants with each other and with God. The solution is the same as it was in Ezra’s day. We need more than Sunday worship assemblies in order to become faithful followers of Christ. We need to study the Word of God until we understand it — and then start obeying it. While individual study is useful, a more helpful way to study God’s Word is within a small group. When I study the Bible, God can speak to me through one mind — my own. When I study with a group, God can speak to me through the minds of every member of the group.

I have witnessed God releasing the life-changing power of Christ within small groups. I have seen more people converted in small groups than in worship services. The change that occurs in a small group can be celebrated in worship. The Word of God can inspire people to renew their covenant to live as disciples of Jesus.

John Wesley called the Methodists to study God’s Word in groups known as “class meetings.” When they did, their lives were changed. They gained the passion to reach others with the good news of the gospel. God is ready to do it again if we are willing to swallow our pride and admit our need to study God’s Word in groups. When we make such study a priority, even if we have to give up other activities, the Spirit can help us “understand” the Scriptures and show us how to live by them in obedience to God.

Participation in a Bible Study group can help us get to know Christ personally and become knit together in love with fellow believers. Then the joy of our Lord will truly be our strength!

Some reading the above may not understand. If you, dear reader, understand what you have heard in these words, then please follow where the Spirit leads.

Betty Jo was diagnosed with metastatic liver cancer in April 2022 and lost her battle with the disease on Feb. 22, 2023, at Bethany House. She was 89. Betty Jo was born in Opp, Alabama, at the start of the Great Depression, the first child of Woodrow and Addie Pearl Tisdale. When she was a young child, the family moved to Auburn, and she attended Auburn City Schools.

At a mere 15 years old, she married Forrest Long, five years her senior. They had two children, Charlotte and Randall, and were married 65

years until his death in 2014. As a young woman, Betty Jo kept children in her home for a number of years, and later worked at Gayfers for several years.

After Forrest passed, she married Pete Nelson. They were married three years until his death in 2018. She was preceded in death by a sister and brother-in-law, Lavonne and Dr. Crews Askew. Survivors include her children, Charlotte Long Bennett (Al) of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Randall Long (Beverly) of Auburn; granddaughter Tara Bennett Meadows

BETTY JO NELSON

What's Happening in Lee County

2023 CITY MARKET VENDOR APPLICATIONS OPEN

Are you a local grower or artisan wanting to share your products with those in the community? Apply to be a vendor at Auburn Parks and Recreation's 2023 City Market. City Market vendor applications opened Nov. 14. City Market will be held Saturdays from May 20 through Aug. 26 at Town Creek Park from 8 to 11 a.m., with vendor setup beginning at 7 a.m.

Farmers, growers and artists who are interested in participating in the City Market must fill out an online application or apply in person at the Harris Center (425 Perry St.).

For more information, including a link to vendor applications and the City Market handbook, please visit www.auburnalabama.org/citymarket or contact Sarah Cook, market coordinator, at scook@auburnalabama.org.

NAMI MEETING

NAMI East Alabama, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), will meet March 21, 2023 at 7 p.m.

NAMI supports families dealing with mental illness through mutual support, education and advocacy. There will be a time for sharing. The public is invited. Meetings are held at 714 E. Glenn Ave. in Auburn.

COFFEE & CONVERSATION WITH VFW POST 5404

VFW Post 5404, 131 E. Veterans Blvd., Auburn, next to Ray's Collision off of South College Street, will be open on Wednesdays, 8 to 11 a.m. with coffee, donuts, cake and conversation about service and benefits for all veterans and spouses to stop by.

OBITUARIES >>

FROM A14

(Joe) of Chattanooga; great-granddaughter, Brielle Meadows; two sisters, JoAnn McGahey (Johnny) of Moundville, Alabama, and Sandra Leonard (Billy) of Opelika; Cathy Spates Clark, Sharon Torbert and Greg Nelson.

Betty Jo was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Opelika, where she loved singing in the choir, church trips, her Sunday school class and all-around fellowship.

For the many visits, flowers and candy, the family would like to thank her longtime friend Jo Jones, loving cousin Cheryl Cooper, new friend Jeri Earnest and special Auburn student, Matthew.

Many thanks also to her out-of-town friend Gloria Casey, who sent cards and well wishes too numerous to count.

Many heartfelt thanks to Bethany House and Compassus Hospice for making her last days easier.

Betty Jo's wishes were to be cremated and not to have a service. The family appreciates all your kind words, thoughts and prayers.

ANITA C. HELMS

Anita C. Helms, 70, of Opelika, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023.

Mrs. Helms was

NEW PARKING KIOSKS IN DOWNTOWN AUBURN

Four new parking kiosks have been installed throughout downtown Auburn, including one on Tichenor Avenue, one on East Magnolia Avenue and two on North College Street. These parking kiosks became functional Jan. 10.

Parking along Tichenor Avenue and on Gay Street adjacent to Hamilton's is now $1 per hour, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Parking will be limited to two hours, like other on-street parking spaces throughout downtown.

Find more information about downtown parking at auburnalabama.org/downtown-parking

LEE/RUSSELL COUNTY LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP

The group meets every month on the third Wednesday from 1:30 to 3 p.m. The meeting will be held at the AIDB-Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind Opelika Regional Center on 355 Dunlop Drive in Opelika. Every month different topics are discussed to make life more manageable living with low vision. Contact Shiquita Fulton, M. ED/Vision Rehab therapist for additional details at 334-705-2024, or Melody Wilson, case manager for the blind, at 256-368-3258.

O GROWS — SATURDAYS AT THE GARDEN

Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon outside the Southside Center for the Arts, located at 1103 Glenn St. in Opelika. Activities include planting, story time, crafts or art projects for children and hanging out with the goats.

born April 16, 1952, to parents James and Elizabeth Cunningham in Macon County, Alabama. Mrs. Helms spent most of her life in Lee County, as she was a manager at Goody’s and was a member of Pepperell Baptist Church. She loved her friends and family dearly and enjoyed every moment she could spend with them. She also was an avid listener of Elvis Presley’s music. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Helms; and her parents, James and Elizabeth Cunningham.

Mrs. Helms is survived by her sons: Jason (LuAnne) Helms and Kevin (Brandy) Helms; sisters: Gayle Lacy, Katrina (Freddie) Thrower, Pat (Harold) Tumlin and Mickey Brown (Ron) Pitzer; brother, James Cunningham; grandchildren: Carley Saggus, Brady Bowman, Hannah Helms-Childers, Zachary HelmsChilders, Hayden Helms, Jake Helms and Katy Helms Simpson; family friends, Mark and Brenda Childers; and her beloved dog, Ninja.

A funeral service was held Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. Interment followed at Garden Hill Cemetery. The Rev. Freddie Thrower officiated.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directed.

CHARLES CURTIS LINDNER

Charles Curtis Lindner, of Auburn, was born on July 21, 1938, in Tampa, Florida, and passed peacefully into Heaven on Feb. 21, 2023. He was 84 years old.

Mr. Lindner was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. He graduated from Decatur High School in 1956, and Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina, in 1960.

Curtis proudly served in the United States Army and the United States Army Reserve from 1956 until 1964.

He married Ann Richards on March 10, 1961.

Curtis worked as a professor at Auburn University, achieving the status of Distinguished University Professor and world-renowned status in the field of combinatorics.

He is survived by sons Charles Timothy Lindner, Curtis William Lindner and James Richards Lindner (Cheri); grandsons Alex Reece Lindner and Nicholas James Lindner.

A graveside service was held at Town Creek Cemetery, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at 2 p.m. with Katrina Paxson officiating.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home handled all arrangements.

115 years ago AuburnBank was founded on the principles of sound money management and putting the customer first. As we’ve opened our new home in downtown Auburn, those principles still drive everything we do. Come by and help us celebrate our most recent success, and let’s talk about helping you achieve yours.

Opelika Baseball’s ‘Close-Knit’ Group Ready for 7A

BY D. MARK MITCHELL

Opelika Tennis Starts Strong

OPELIKA —

The Opelika girls and boys tennis teams completed four matches last week. The Lady Bulldogs lost to HillcrestTuscaloosa (1-8) in their opening match. Mary Cara Montel won the only match of the day, an 8-3 win at the three seed.

The girls won the following three matches, 7-2 over Pike Road, 9-0 over Wetumpka and 9-0 over Smiths Station.

The following players won matches against Pike Road in singles matches: No. 1 Mamie

Nicholson (8-4), No.

2 Joanne Smith T (84), No. 3 Montel (8-1) and No. 4 Addison Kemp (8-5). In doubles, Montel/Brown won (9-8), Kemp/Addison Bryan won (8-6) and Nicholson/Martha Pugh won 8-1.

OHS girls beat Wetumpka 9-0 behind the following wins in singles: No. 1 Nicholson (8-5), No.

2 Smith T (8-2), No.

3 Montel (8-3), No.

4 Kemp (8-3), No. 5 Emma Brown (8-0) and No. 6 Massey (80). Doubles winners

See SPORTS, page B7

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA — Grab your bag of peanuts or your box of popcorn, dust off that old stadium seat and get ready — it’s baseball season in East Alabama.

Like all Opelika High School athletics teams this year, the Opelika baseball team is preparing for life in the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s (AHSAA) highest division — 7A.

Fresh off a class 6A area championship last

season, the Bulldogs are off to a 4-2 start in their 2023 campaign.

The move up to 7A poses a challenge to the Bulldogs, but the teams in their new area are far from new opponents. Opelika’s new area consists of Opelika High School, Auburn High School,

Central-Phenix City and Smiths Station.

“[The area is] definitely a challenge,” said head coach Zach Blatt. “It’s probably one of the toughest baseball areas in the state of Alabama.”

While Opelika has regularly played

See BASEBALL, page B4

OCS Recognizes OHS Senior for National Role in FBLA

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

In the Feb. 23, 2023, Observer, we published an article stating that Brady Campbell was the first athlete in Opelika High School history to win a 7A state championship title. While he was the first male athlete to win such, it was brought to our attention that Sarah Bush, pictured above in the center, was the first athlete to win that title when she won the state championship in swimming in December. She won the 50-yard freestyle race as a 6A-7A competitor. We apologize for not recognizing Bush's accomplishments and we applaud all of our local athletes and support their endeavors.

OPELIKA — Alexandria Torbert, senior at Opelika High School, was recognized Tuesday by the Opelika City Schools Board of Education for her role as national secretary of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA).

“This is a first,” said Opelika City Schools Superintendent Farrell Seymore. “In addition to

this, she is just an outstanding student and I think it is certainly worthy to recognize her. She does a great deal and does it with distinction and brings a lot of great distinction upon our school and school system. So, we are happy to recognize her. Certainly we are very proud of Alexandria and how she has represented herself, her family and our school system in a positive way.”

Alexandria was elected to the role in the beginning of

See OCS, page B2

Opelika celebrates after a 3-2 win over Wetumpka Feb. 20

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY OPELIKA CITY SCHOOLS

Opelika Superintendent Farrell Seymore and Opelika High School senior Alexandria Torbert.

PHOTO BY WIL CREWS THE OBSERVER

PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

Warrior of All Trades

PHTOO BY JERRY BALLAS FOR THE OBSERVER

Lee-Scott Baseball Ready to Rebound under Bolstered Staff

BY NOAH GRIFFITH FOR THE OBSERVER

AUBURN —

Lee-Scott’s athletic programs are putting the Warriors on the map this academic year, and a freshman has been at the center of it all.

The Warriors won the AISA 3A State Championship in football, surged to the Final Four in basketball after a historic season and now hope to begin a prosperous baseball season under head coach Tim Hudson. Haiden Harper has started on all three varsity teams as a freshman.

After only appearing in two varsity games with the baseball team as an eighth grader, he has made a massive leap to being Lee-Scott’s starting quarterback, point guard and now shortstop.

“He’s a three-sport athlete,” said assistant baseball coach Jacob Ozment. “Haiden’s an amazing kid. He’s shown up immediately [coming over from basketball].”

Going from one

sport to another is a quick transition that often puts the player behind the rest of the team while getting into playing shape for the sport to which they’re transitioning.

Harper said when he and the football team beat Glenwood to win the state championship in December, he had a basketball game the next day. From basketball to baseball, he had “three or four days.”

“Especially, [transitioning] to baseball is hard because my arm — I’m not throwing, so my arm’s not in shape as much,”

Harper said. “I just love the game so much that it’s kind of hard to get burnt out.”

While he noted he loves all three sports, he pointed to basketball as his best and favorite sport, but he has played baseball and basketball for as long as he can remember.

Harper picked up football in sixth grade and hasn’t stopped playing any of the three sports ever since.

“Haiden is an absolute joy to coach,” said Lee-Scott Athletic

Director and boys basketball coach William Johnson. “He has an unmatched work ethic and competes at the highest level. Not only is Haiden a great athlete, but he also excels in the classroom.”

Harper is a familiar face at Lee-Scott. Not only does he star in a fall, winter and spring sport, but he has attended the school since the first grade. Warrior fans have already grown accustomed to seeing Harper do it all, but now opponents must do the same. Harper has already made two deep playoff runs and is looking for his third in the same academic year.

According to him, that playoff experience is helping him build momentum as he begins his high school career.

“Yes, [the success from each season] definitely carries into the next,” Harper said. “[The playoff runs] are teaching me how I need to play and how I need to get ready for the next year. … It’s been a great freshman year.”

Beauregard Softball set for 2023 Season

BY NOAH GRIFFITH FOR THE OBSERVER

AUBURN —

Lee-Scott Academy won the AISA 3A Football State Championship in December. The boys and girls basketball teams made it to the Final Four earlier this month. Now, the baseball team hopes to add to the school’s athletic success in the 202223 school year.

Coming off a 1418 season where the Warriors were knocked out of the playoffs in the quarterfinals by a strong Bessemer team, LeeScott is refocused under a new coaching staff.

“I think the biggest thing is to remember what’s expected from us athletically,” said assistant coach Jacob Ozment. “It’s no secret that athletics at Lee-Scott are expected to be championship-caliber programs. Our guys know that, and they have that expectation set for themselves.”

Rising back to the top

will be a challenge newcomer head coach and 17-year MLB player Tim Hudson is no stranger to. In 2010, he earned the Comeback Player of the Year Award in the National League after tearing an elbow ligament that sidelined him for over a year.

He has also put together an experienced staff around him that will embrace the challenge of returning to form after a down year. Alongside Hudson is professional MLB and KoreanLeague player Anthony Lerew, former Auburn University baseball player Dan Gamache, former Southern Union player and coach Patrick Reeves, along with fourth- and sixth-year Lee-Scott coaches Brian Cole and Clay Samford, respectively.

Ozment is in his sixth season at Lee-Scott as well.

“It’s kind of difficult to ignore the fact that these high school athletes not only have the incredible

opportunity to work with a 17-year MLB veteran with college coaching experience, but the staff coach Hudson’s got around us is incredible as well,” Ozment said.

“Having Tim with us is a blessing — the knowledge he brings and the coaching staff he’s put together with insurmountable amounts of wisdom around the game and the way they can communicate the game. Our guys realize that not every school gets this opportunity.”

The Warriors haven’t gotten the outcomes they want so far this season, but according to Ozment, they are right where they want to be.

With an eight-inning loss to Calvary Christian and a 5-3 loss to St. Anne-Pacelli, Lee-Scott got off to an 0-2 start. However, with seven seniors — including Tim’s son Kade Hudson and a pair of Auburn High transfers, Lane Eddins

the 2022-23 school year, and previously served as both secretary and president of the local and state chapters of FBLA.

“First of all, I just want to thank everybody in the community,” Alexandria said to The Observer when she recognized by the city of Opelika in August of 2022.

“I have to give glory to God, because I would not even be national secretary or even be here without Him.”

in response to numerous community concerns regarding the safety of Bulldog Stadium that have been expressed over the years. Assistant Superintendent Tiffany Yelder said the estimated completion of the project is April 2023.

IN OTHER BUSINESS:

- The board approved minutes from previous the previous meeting Jan. 24

- The board approved consideration of personnel recommendations

- The board approved considerations for out of state field trip requests

The Beauregard High School varsity softball team celebrates a run in their 14-0 win over Smiths Station Feb. 28.

BY DANIEL LOCKE FOR THE OBSERVER

BEAUREGARD —

High schools all over the state have gotten their softball seasons underway and the Beauregard High School Hornets are no different. After a season that didn’t go as planned last spring, the Hornets

are excited for a chance to right the hive in 2023.

“I’m pretty excited about it,” said head coach Scott Meadows on how it feels to go into a new season. “We got a pretty young team this year and we’re starting four ninth graders. The team comradery, how they’re getting along with each

other, how they’re working hard, it’s been a lot better this year.

The Hornets will unfortunately be missing an important piece of the team this year in Cooper Watson.

“We suffered one heavy blow before we ever

See SOFTBALL, page B8

Torbert went on to thank Opelika City Schools, Seymore and Opelika High School Principal Kellie Fischer at Tuesday’s night’s meeting. Torbert said that upon graduating this spring she hopes to attend Harvard University and pursue law. For more information on Torbert and her active role in FBLA and various other organizations: opelikaobserver. com/ohs-senior-elected-fbla-national-secretary/.

Additionally, at Tuesday night’s meeting, the school board approved a bid of just over $123,000 for the insertion of handrails at Opelika High School’s football field. This action was taken

- The board approved the revision of the cheerleader and mascot constitution for Opelika Middle and High Schools

- The board heard the consideration of a memorandum from Pam Fourtenbary, assistant superintendent of curriculum, for review of a German language and information technology textbooks for Opelika High School

- The board heard the monthly financial report for January 2023

- The board heard the monthly child nutrition report for January 2023

- The board met for an executive session.

The next Opelika City

Schools Board of Education meeting will be March 28, at 4:30 p.m. at 300 Simmons St. in Opelika.

SCHOOL TAX SPECIAL ELECTION

The city of Opelika issued a statement Tuesday night regarding the special election for the school tax renewal.

The unofficial results have the tax passing with 1194 voted for the tax renewal and 80 votes against it.

Dr. Farrell Seymore, Superintendent of Opelika City Schools and Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller were both pleased with the results.

On behalf of Opelika City Schools, I want to personally thank our community for voting to renew the 11-mill property tax,” Seymore said. “The renewal of this tax will ensure that our schools receive strong community funding to benefit our students for another generation.”

The Opelika City Council will hold a special city council meeting on March 7, noon at the Municipal Court Building at 300 MLK Blvd in Opelika. This special meeting is called to canvass the returns and declare theresults of the February 28, 2023, Special Municipal Election. The meeting is open to the public.

Freshman Haiden Harper played a key role in the success of Lee-Scott football and basketball this year, and figures to do the same for the varsity baseball team.

Lee-Scott baseball head coach Tim Hudson (left) has a team talk on the mound of a recent game.

See LSA BASEBALL, page B3

OHS Senior Ashley Hilyer wins ALET Debbie Rice Memorial Scholarship

Beauregard Baseball Takes on 2023 season

PHOTO

CONTRIBUTED BY OPELIKA CITY SCHOOLS

OPELIKA —

On Feb. 27, 2023, at the Alabama Leaders in Educational Technology (ALET) Conference in Montgomery, Opelika High School senior Ashley Hilyer was awarded the ALET Debbie Rice Memorial Scholarship. Each spring, the Alabama Leaders in Educational Technology organization awards a $10,000 college scholarship to a high school senior. The scholarship

is named for the late Debbie Rice, a longtime leader in the organization who served as the Technology Director for Auburn City Schools until 2014.

As stated in the most recent ALET newsletter: “Ms. Hilyer is an accomplished student and athlete. She plans to attend the University of Alabama pursuing a major in News Media and a minor in Computer Science. Among her accomplishments and certifications, Ashley has earned second

place in FBLA State Intro to Information Technology Competition 2021, Cyberpatriots Windows 10 Competition 2021-22, third place in FBLA State Cybersecurity Competition 2022, MS Word, PPT, and Excel Certification, Copper Cabling Certification, Testout PC Pro Certification and Testout Security. Her athletic resume includes being a member of Opelika High School’s Varsity swim, soccer, golf and flag football teams.”

The Hornets' dugout in a game against Opelika Feb. 25.

BY DANIEL LOCKE FOR THE OBSERVER

BEAUREGARD

—

Spring is upon us, and that can only mean one thing: High school baseball is back.

Teams all over Lee County are in the beginning of the 2023 campaign, and some have already gotten their respective seasons well underway. Among these are the Beauregard High School Hornets, coached by Seth Nolen. The Hornets are looking to build on a successful run last season, which included a 20-10 (6-2, 5A Area 5) record and area championship.

Nolen said he feels “very excited” going into the new season.

“You lose your seniors, but young kids are coming in and getting a chance to grow and develop,” he said. “Spring is right here. It’s about to warm up, and things are starting to get greener and start blooming. It’s a great time of year.”

There will be high expectations for the Hornets after what they accomplished last season, with the roster looking different in 2023. But Nolen sets

a high bar for each of his teams.

“The standard is the standard,” Nolen said. “The way we do things, the way we go about practice, the way we clean up the locker room, the way we act in school — all of those things — every team that has come before has set that standard. This team’s job is to follow the standard of what we’ve done and how we do it. We graduated five starters last year. We’re not necessarily a really young team, but we are an inexperienced team. Only three seniors and a couple of juniors played a whole lot for us last year.”

The pitching staff isn’t set in stone yet, but Nolen has an idea of what it will look like.

“No. 1 right now for us is a junior, Braden Fuller,” Nolen said. “He was our No. 2 last year behind his older brother Ethan Fuller, who’s pitching at Emmanuel College now. Behind him [is] Alex Martin, a senior who got some starts for us last year. Aaron Standridge, he’s another junior who pitched a little bit for us last year. Gavin Blackmon, he’s another junior, but he just

got released from meniscus surgery, so we’ll have to work him back in. Jordan Barnes [is] another one who threw a little bit last year, but he’s going to have to be relied on a lot more. Brody Craft, he's another one who pitched a little bit. All of those guys are competing for innings.”

The Hornets have a good number of players who can play in both the infield and the outfield.

“Landon Hodges, he’s a senior — he’s been playing first,” Nolen said. “Brandon Dixon, he’s a junior — he’s been playing second. Brody Craft, he’s another junior — he’s been playing short. Jackson Morris, he’s a senior — he’s been playing third. Ethan Arrington has been catching.

Being in a competitive area makes for a lot of exciting baseball to be played, and this is a fact of which Nolen is well aware.

As for this season’s games, Nolen said he’s excited for “every one of them — just getting a chance to go play.”

It is bound to be an interesting season for the Beauregard Hornets, and Nolen is ready to lead his team once again.

Corrective Massage

Massage Therapy For Pain Relief

LSA BASEBALL >>

FROM B2

and Garrett West — the team had a chance to self-evaluate versus stiff competition early in the season.

The Warriors have benefitted from those early evaluations. Since losing their first two games, they have won eight straight, including a win in the Edgewood Tournament last weekend, as well as two defeats of Bessemer, the team that ended their season in 2022.

Ozment also talked about the team’s cohesiveness. The team

consists of a good mix of seniors, a strong junior class and a sophomore class that went to Louisiana to play in the Dixie Youth World Series together in 2019.

“We have a lot of guys that have played together for a while, and our two guys that transferred in have really just hit it in stride with us,” Ozment said. “Team chemistry is going really well. As far as that one standout guy, I don’t think that’s our situation right now.”

With the AISA shrinking and the Warriors participating in an expanded six-team

region, Lee-Scott recognizes that winning its region might be the toughest part of getting its second state title in school history, adding to the ring that it won in 2002.

But it’s a challenge that the Warriors are enthusiastic to face.

“We’re not there yet, but I think our guys definitely see the potential that we’ve got,” Ozment said after the first two games of the season. “I think it’s a matter of us executing in-game so they can see what their full potential is.”

BY NOAH GRIFFITH / FOR THE OBSERVER

Ashley Hilyer, ALET Debbie Rice Memorial Scholarship Winner

Hilyer with David Asbury,left, ALET President Wayne Young, center, and ALET Vice President Chris Jenks, right.

Bulldogs Bolster Early Season Record

BASEBALL

FROM B1

the regional rivals over the course of its history in 6A, the games against the Tigers, Red Devils and Panthers have one key difference in 2023.

“We have continued to play these teams year in and year out since we have been in 6A, and now the games just count,” Blatt said. “They carry a little more weight. We are looking forward to the challenge and seeing what we can do.”

The Opelika team that captured the 6A area title in 2022 was an experience-laden one.

This year, the Dawgs roster six seniors, a handful of juniors and four sophomores on the 17-man squad.

“We are not overly experienced,” Blatt said. “We replaced a lot of seniors from last year. I think we graduated nine or 10.”

While the Bulldogs will not be able to rely as heavily on their experience in 2023, last year provided quality opportunities to many of the players, leading

to Blatt already defining the team’s strengths and weaknesses to this point in the season.

“We do return some arms from last year that ended up logging some quality innings for us,” Blatt said. “So I feel like we will compete better on the defensive side of the ball, pitching. Offensively, that’s where we are having to replace the most.”

While Blatt and his staff attempt to round the offense into form during the early season, the Bulldogs will keep their ultimate goal

always in mind.

“If you ask any team, the ultimate goal is to be holding up the blue trophy at the end of the year,” Blatt said.

But the chase for a championship will be anything but a distraction for what Blatt defines as a tightly bonded team.

“A strength of this team are the relationships,” Blatt said. “I think this is a very close knit group that play for each other. We have been talking about a 'we over me mentality' and I think the guys have really bought into

that. They are playing for themselves, obviously, but putting the team above and playing for each other. Our ultimate goal is to win a game regardless of your individual outcome.”

According to Blatt, the Bulldogs aren’t getting caught up in their hot start to the season. They all know the real games begin when area play starts.

“But we have to take it one thing at a time, we got to get better from day to day and week to week, and ultimately when area

play comes we have got to be playing our best baseball,” Blatt said.

Regardless of how the 2023 season shakes out, Blatt expressed belief in his squad’s effort and commitment, and looks forward to witnessing the team’s journey.

“The thing I’m most excited about with this group is the relationships they have on and off the field,” he said. “And they show up and work every day, they try to get better each and every day; I will say that about this group.”

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

The varsity Opelika High School Baseball team is 4-2 on the season under head coach Zach Blatt. For more information on the Bulldogs, turn to page B1.

Smiths Station Settles In On the Diamond

The varsity Smiths Station baseball and softball teams were both in action Feb. 21. The Lady Panthers fell to Elmore County, 4-0, while the boys defeated Beauregard 7-4.

Warriors Battle Tested in New Region

Competitors Keep Their Cool at Annual Frostbite Open

Frostbite

The varsity Lee-Scott Academy baseball team, led by coach Tim Hudson in his first year with the Warriors, defeated Chambers Academy, 18-8, Feb. 23. For more information about the beginning of Lee-Scott baseball's season, turn to page B2.

CONTRIBUTED BY PHIL SKLAR

ALABAMA —

Earlier this month, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum unveiled the first HBCU Bobblehead Series, which features officially licensed bobbleheads of 13 Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The bobbleheads are being produced by the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum and are being released in celebration of Black History Month.

The schools included in the first series are Alabama

A&M University

Bulldogs, Alabama

State University

Hornets, Delaware State University

Hornets, Florida A&M

SPORTS >>

FROM B1

included Montel/Brown (8-2), Brown/Bryan (82) and Smith T/Massey (8-2).

OHS girls beat Smiths Station (9-0), led by singles winners Nicholson (8-3), Smith T (8-1), Montel (8-1), Kemp (8-2), Brown (82) and Massey (8-0). Doubles winners were Montel/Kemp (8-2), Brown/Bryan (8-1) and Nicholson/Pugh (8-3).

The boys tennis team lost, 0-9, to Pike Road and HillcrestTuscaloosa in the first two matches last week. The Bulldogs’ netters won the final two matches of the week to finish 2-2.

OHS won 5-4 over Pike Road, led by the following singles winners: No. 1 Connor Mullins (9-8), No. 4 Drue Gagliano (82), No. 5 Anderson Melnick (8-6) and No. 6 Myles Tatum (8-2). In doubles, Mullins/Patel (8-0) won.

OHS beat Smiths Station, 8-1, behind the following singles winners: Mullins (8-0), Blackburn (80), Gagliano (8-0), Melnick (8-6) and Tatum (8-0). Double wins included Mullins/ Patel (8-1), Gagliano/ Blackburn (8-1) and Jacob Wood/Tatum (8-1).

OHS/OMS HOST OPELIKA INVITATIONAL TRACK MEET

The Opelika Track and Field team hosted the Opelika Invitational last week under the lights at the Sam Mason Track on the OHS campus. Opelika

Middle School won the middle school division with 120 points, and OHS won the varsity meet with 310.5 points. The following are top-five finishers for OMS girls and boys.

OMS GIRLS

100 METER DASH

First HBCU Bobblehead Series Unveiled Tuskegee, Alabama State featured

University Rattlers, Fayetteville State University Broncos, Grambling State University Tigers, Howard University Bison, Jackson State University Tigers, Morgan State University Bears, North Carolina A&T State University

Aggies, North Carolina Central University

Eagles, Norfolk State University

Spartans and Tuskegee University Golden Tigers.

Standing on a base bearing the school’s nickname across the front, each mascot bobblehead is proudly wearing the school colors in front of a backing featuring the school logo. Each bobblehead is individually numbered to 2,023, and they are currently only

13.86 - Malia Jeter - 4th 200 METER DASH 29.39 - Cordahja Barnett - 1st 29.71 - Serenity Pruitt - 3rd 29.78 - Amayai Mitchell - 4th 29.87 - Malia Jeter - 5th 400 METER DASH

1:06.45 - Arianna

Thomas - 2nd

1:06.48 - Jada

Colemon - 3rd

1:06.69 - London

Gardner - 4th

800 METER RUN

3:09.41 - Caylyn

Moore - 4th

3:13.88 - Lillie

Flenniken - 5th

1600 METER RUN

5:53.53 - Caroline

Couey - 2nd

6:34.34 - Lillie

Flenniken - 5th

LONG JUMP 14-8 - Ava Thomas - 2nd

SHOT PUT

28-11 - Rorie Dunbar

- 1st

25-2 - Gabby Autry - 2nd 24-9 - Katlyn Brooks - 3rd

OMS BOYS

100 METER DASH

11.78 - Jamel Griffin -

12.33 - Michael

- 5th

- Andrew

- Michael Swanson - 4th

- Michael

- 1st

- Jayln Thomas -

Rashad

RUN 5:36.65 - Drew Schoonhoven - 4th

17-6 - Braeden

Dowdell - 1st

15-1 - Qua Lawrence - 4th

13-10.5 - Matthew

available through the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum’s Online Store.

The bobbleheads are $35 each, plus a flat-rate shipping charge of $8 per order. The Grambling State, Alabama State, Delaware State and Howard Bobbleheads are scheduled to arrive in April, while the other schools’ bobbleheads are scheduled to ship in June. Each school receives a percentage of the sales generated from their bobblehead.

Primarily located in the South and founded during the Reconstruction era, there are more than 100 colleges in the United States that are identified by the U.S. Department

of Education as Historically Black Colleges and Universities. HBCUs were originally established in the 19th century to make quality, accredited higher education available to Black Americans. Due to slavery, segregation and systemic racism, traditionally white institutions denied Black Americans admission. The Higher Education Act of 1965 defines HBCUs as accredited higher education institutions established before 1964 whose “principal mission was, and is, the education of Black Americans.”

In the past, these institutions admitted only Black students. Today, HBCUs admit learners of all races. Among the prominent graduates of HBCUs are civil rights

leader Martin Luther King Jr., United States Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall and United States Vice President Kamala Harris.

“We’re excited to release this long-overdue collection of HBCU bobbleheads,” said National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum Cofounder and CEO Phil Sklar. “We know these bobbleheads, which celebrate the rich history of these 13 amazing institutions, will be very popular with

20-8 - Tirus Patten - 2nd

20-7.5 - Davian Jones - 3rd

TRIPLE JUMP

40-2 - Kylin Fears

- 1st

37-1 - D’Andre Smith

- 5th

POLE VAULT

11-0 - Dontarius

Alvis - 1st

10-0 - Brannon

Massey - 2nd

DISCUS

129-3 - Octavious

Gay - 4th

124-8 - Mikeil Heard - 5th

JAVELIN

159-2 - Octavious

Gay - 1st

134-5 - Jakori

Thornton - 3rd

126-0 - Jackion

Drake - 4th

121-1 - Ronald Reese

Jr. - 5th

SHOT PUT

45-4.5 - Mikeil Heard - 1st

44-5.5 - Elias Autry - 2nd

SOFTBALL

The varsity Opelika

Lady Bulldog Softball team (4-2) split a pair of games last week, beating Dadeville 13-2 and losing to Brewbaker Tech 3-15.

Opelika scored seven runs in the fifth inning to beat Dadeville, 13-2, in a five-inning mercy rule game. Memoree Lyles led the team with three hits, including a home run, two runs scored and two runs drove in. KD Harrelson and Kay Saultau added two hits apiece while Thomas, Lee, Yountz and Sania Stringer added singles.

Stringer earned the win in the circle, pitching five innings, allowing three hits and two runs.

OHS then lost to Brewbaker Tech 15-3 in a five-inning mercy rule game. The following girls recorded hits: Thomas, Lee, Yountz and Lyles.

BASEBALL

The varsity Opelika Bulldog baseball team

the alumni, students, faculty, staff, fans and communities.”

ABOUT THE NATIONAL BOBBLEHEAD HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM

The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, which is located at 170 S. 1st St. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, opened to the public on Feb. 1, 2019. The HOF and Museum also produces high-quality, customized bobbleheads for retail sale, as well as organizations, individuals and teams across the country. Visit online and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

(4-2) split a pair of games last Saturday, losing to Benjamin Russell High School (5-3) and beating Beauregard (16-8) at Bulldog Field.

Benjamin Russell scored three runs in the top of the seventh to beat OHS 5-3. Offensively, Jake Smith and Russell Copous led with two hits apiece, while Tommy Taylor Fields, Brody Jones, Bryce Speakman and Jackson Killcreas added singles.

OHS out-slugged Beauregard, 16-8, in the second game Saturday. The Dogs belted 14 hits, including three hits apiece from Smith and Jones. Fields and Davis Ford added two hits apiece, along with hits from Speakman, Copous, Killcreas and Lovelace.

Opelika used five pitchers — Christopher Floyd, Killcreas, Fields, Clayton and Rathel — over seven innings to earn the win.

OPELIKA DIXIE BOYS

BASEBALL 13-14-15 YEAR

OLDS REGISTRATION

Boys ages 13 through 15 who are interested in playing baseball, the Opelika DBB league will start registration March 15 at the Opelika Sportsplex. Registration is $45 for Opelika residents and $45 if you live outside the city limits. Registration fee covers the player’s jersey and cap. Every player in the league will be placed on a team. For more information, email D.Mark Mitchell at foxonthemark@yahoo.com.

D. Mark Mitchell is the sports director at iHeartMedia, host of “On the Mark” Fox Sports the Game 910-1319, co-chair of the Auburn-Opelika Sports Council, chairman of the Super 7 and Dixie Boys Baseball state director.

Ilove the way the seasons are defined and displayed in central Alabama. We enjoy autumn and winter, but spring begins to tickle our senses of sight, taste, touch, smell and hearing. What a truly beautiful way for you to engage your child as we embark into spring of 2023.

March is recognized as “Strolling into Spring Month.” I have been digging into my teacher resources — as well as past Classroom Observer ideas — for tips to share with you and your children to enjoy the simple spring pleasures right in your backyard. With the local schools having spring breaks over the next few weeks, families can truly spend time “taking in” the beginning of spring.

The past few days, we have experienced a lot of wind as March blows in. This is a great time to make

Spring Begins To Tickle Our Senses

children group the flowers according to color as they look at them. They can also smell spring flowers on a nature field trip just around the yard. A wonderful intergenerational activity is to plant flowers or other plants with the young and elderly. You can take them on a fun field trip to the store or garden nursery to choose the flowers, a bag of soil and whatever else is needed. The sights, scents and textures delight children and are likely to bring back many good memories to seniors.

or purchase a kite. Kiteflying adventures contribute to so many wonderful childhood lessons and memories. For many years, while I was living in Mobile as an early childhood teacher, our classes would make kites and go fly them on the grassy field in front the USS Alabama, one of the historical state spots. Young children would jump up and down with joy as gusts of wind from the bay blew our kites up so high. The environment in Lee County also provides wonderful areas and parks to go fly kites, and there are lakes and streams in the area where families can catch winds off the water to fly kites.

March 12 is “National Plant a Flower Day.” The community is so blessed to have beautiful, breathtaking flowers to celebrate the arrival of the spring season as we leave winter behind. For a simple lesson, have

In the spring, we see butterflies flying everywhere. A science project that my class enjoyed every year was ordering butterfly kits, which allowed us to observe the life cycle of the butterfly. These kits are not expensive, and they are well worth it as you and your child observe the different stages in the life cycle of the butterfly: egg, larva, pupa and adult.

Another insect that provides so many valuable life lessons is the ant. We do have to practice common-sense safety while interacting with ants. Young children need to understand that they are only to observe the ant colonies. Purchasing inexpensive magnifying glasses at the dollar store is a real plus. Consider also putting out small crumbs of sandwich meat to invite the ants to come out and work hard to get the food back to their

colony. Point out to children that ants are insects with six legs and three body segments. Show them that the large ant is the queen ant. Talk about how the tunnels the ants are making are like rooms in their homes. Compare the different jobs the ants are doing to jobs or responsibilities children can do in their family. The character traits that children learn from observing ants are spelled out in the Bible, in Proverbs 6:6-8. Ants work hard. Children feel more secure and confident if they are on a schedule or routine as they engage in projects and activities they enjoy. Ants are self-starters, and so are children. Ants work busily, and they cooperate with each other. What a wonderful lesson to point out in teaching your children to get along with others. Ants work so very hard in the summer as they prepare for the winter. They also provide a lesson on how to plan ahead for getting chores done.

Doodlebugs are a spring favorite for children to observe as well. In the soil, look for clearly defined circles where we know that doodlebugs reside. They are called doodlebugs because they make a track that zigzags in every direction as it crawls across the dry sand looking for a place to dig its pit. This is one of my favorite activities to do with young children during recess time in the spring.

SOFTBALL >>

really got going,” Meadows said. “Our junior shortstop [Watson] was our MVP last year. She blew her knee out in a basketball area game so she had to have season-ending knee surgery. The surgery went well and she is recovering good.”

After a disappointing run last season, improvement will be one of the biggest goals for the team in 2023.

“Last year wasn’t a very good year for us,” Meadows said. “We just didn’t have good team chemistry and it just was not a good year. That’s one thing we’ve been working on is changing that and work ethic being better.”

The pitching staff for the Hornets is not overly large, but it has been effective so far.

“We’ve only used two pitchers to this point,” Meadows said. “Hannah Parham, she’s a junior, and Reagan Brooks is a freshman.”

Beauregard has had some solid offensive production so far this season.

“We had a new movein this year, her name is Bailey Abernathy,” Meadows said. “She’s signed with Shorter to play college [ball] next year. She was a great addition to our team, she’s batting like .450 right now. She’s hitting with some power. Reagan Brooks, she’s the second leading hitter on the team right now batting .526, a .947 slugging percentage. Berkely Wilson is a junior, she’s hitting .600 right now with a 1.000 slugging

Look carefully for one of these defined holes, then carefully slip down a long piece of pine straw into the hole, keep it down in the hole for a few minutes and gently pull the pine straw up. It’s like going fishing. You will be pleasantly surprised to see a little doodlebug curled up at the end. After taking a few minutes to observe, use the pine straw to gently lower the doodlebug back down into its hole. This is fascinating to little ones, and even to grownups. This is a wonderful science activity for the whole family.

Another spring creature to observe is the snail. Children can get a close-up view of a snail as it slowly moves around, leaving a thick trail of slime that protects it from getting hurt. Because of the suction created by the slime, snails can actually crawl upside down. Snails don’t see well. They strongly depend on the senses of touch and smell.

Young children are so fascinated by roly-poly bugs — especially by the way these small crustaceans can roll their bodies into a ball resembling a small pill. We need to respect the lives of these little creatures when handling.

Let’s grab a clean bucket and head to a nearby pond or stream to safely gather some tadpoles. I remember like it was yesterday being a young child in Opelika. One of our favorite places to gather tadpoles was in

the streams at Monkey Park. Caring for tadpoles at school and at home and watching them turn into frogs — a process called metamorphosis — is a fascinating and rewarding experience for the young and old alike. When setting up a temporary home for tadpoles, I have found it better to put them in a container that is shorter and wider as opposed to one that is tall and narrow. It is just easier to take care of them and observe them. Be sure the water is really clean.

When you know that you are going to get tadpoles, be sure to get your water ready before you bring them home. It is like setting up an aquarium for fish. Tadpoles breathe with gills, which is why it is important to have clean water. When keeping tadpoles in my classroom and at home, I have usually fed them clean little pieces of lettuce (but not iceberg lettuce). Feed them small quantities frequently.

After spring rains, it is so much fun to go on a walk and listen to the little frogs called “peepers.” Even while driving around in your car, so many times you can see little white forms jumping up after a shower.

I hope these suggestions give families with young children plenty of good, fun, springtime activities.

Classroom Observer

Beth Pinyerd

percentage.”

Meadows realizes that he could not lead this team alone and is appreciative of his staff.

“I’d like to give a shoutout to all my coaches,” Meadows said. “They work their tails off every day. It’s pretty much a thankless job. We got coach Bryan Wilson, we got coach Tal Morison, coach Robert Hardy and coach Cathy McDonald. They all put in a lot of time to try to help us be successful. I want to make sure they understand they are appreciated as well.”

The infield lineup is dependent on who is pitching that game.

“If Reagan is pitching, we usually put Lucy Vann over at third base,” Meadows said. “Regan plays third when she’s not pitching. Mary Peyton Dees, ninth grader, she’ll play shortstop some.

Lexi Edwards is a junior, she’s been playing a lot

of second base for us. Berkely is the starting first baseman, she’s done a good job in her first year playing there. We’ve got Bailey catching part of the time and we’ve got a 10th-grader, Taylor Howard, who’s been catching some.”

The outfield also sees a good amount of mixing and matching depending on what the rest of the lineup looks like.

“We got a mixture of folks out there,” Meadows said. “We’ve got Shelby Craft in the ninth grade, Lindsey Moulton in the ninth grade, Mary Peyton Dees plays out there, she’s in the ninth grade. We’ve got Aubryn Sword, she’s a 10th grader.”

A team with a lot of new faces is the story of Beauregard high school softball in 2023. Time will tell, but the Hornets seem to have the pieces to put together a solid campaign in 2023.

BETH PINYERD

FROM B2 PHTOO BY JERRY BALLAS FOR THE OBSERVER

L labama Politics ee County & A

Thursday, March 02, 2023

Inside the Statehouse

It Is Time for Alabamians to Reap Lottery Dollars

this money in state for our educational and Medicaid funding rather than giving our money to Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and Mississippi.

LCSO Promotes First Female Captain

CONTRIBUTED BY THE LEE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

All they have to do is simply vote to let you vote on the issue.”

STEVE FLOWERS

OPINION —

The gala and festivities of the gubernatorial swearing-in are all wrapped up. Gov. Kay Ivey has been sworn in for another four-year term.

The legislators, all 140, are all sworn in soon after the general election victories in November. Therefore, they all are ready to get down to business.

The regular session begins next week. This inaugural, first-year regular session has historically been the year when major controversial substantive issues are addressed. Legislators will not face election for four more years, and Ivey is term limited and will probably never face voters of Alabama again. Therefore, this first year is when the tough challenges will be tackled.

Usually there is some urgent, pressing financial problems facing the governor and legislature. However, as this new quadrennium begins, the state coffers are in pretty good shape. A lot of credit for this financial stability can be credited to wise and prudent budgeting by past legislative budget committee leaders, who for the most part are all back in command in both chambers.

An issue that should be addressed is the garnering of gaming dollars that Alabamians are spending on lottery tickets and sports betting in surrounding states. We need to keep

Georgia has benefitted from an education lottery for close to 30 years. Alabamians, to a large degree, have paid for a good many Georgia students' free college education over the last three decades. It is well known and documented that the most lottery tickets sold in the states of Florida and Georgia are sold at locations on the Alabama border. Alabama television stations consistently interview Alabamians at these state border locations. These Alabama folks are frustrated, to say the least, that they have had to drive hundreds of miles to give their money to our sister states. They know that we are not that much richer than Florida or Georgia to be able to subsidize their state governments and educate their children.

Mississippi has every kind of gambling imaginable. They fund a good portion of their state finances on their casinos.

Thousands of Alabamians flock to these casinos every year to help Mississippi surpass us in rankings. Mississippi has moved out of the 50th spot in several categories, thanks primarily to gaming dollars, which Alabamians have contributed to, significantly.

Folks, when one of these major power ball, jackpot lotteries occur where there are billions of dollars to be won, my email lights up with inquiries as to why they cannot participate with a convenience store in Alabama. They ask, “Why is my money going out of state? Why am I in a line and traffic jam on the Florida-Georgia border?”

My present response is, “Talk with your state representative or state senator.

In order for Alabama to participate, it cannot be accomplished by a simple legislative act. It takes a constitutional act that must be voted on and approved by a vote of the people. A constitutional amendment needs 21 votes in the 35-member State Senate and 63 votes in the 105-member State House of Representatives.

The State Senate returns almost intact. Ivey had a comprehensive gaming measure that passed in the Senate last year. Therefore, the votes are probably there for passage in the upper body. The governor was only a few votes short in the House. There are several new faces in that chamber. The governor will need to get behind this issue with both feet. A special session may be needed to highlight the gravitas and importance of garnering gaming dollars for Alabama. We are only one of five states that get no revenue from gaming.

As a former legislator, I would have a hard time coming home and telling my constituents that I voted against giving them the right to vote on an important constitutional amendment that could raise a lot of money for the state. You can bet your bottom dollar that if a lottery/gaming referendum is placed on the ballot, it will pass in a New York minute. Even the most conservative folks in our state would vote for it, if for only one reason: They are sick and tired of Alabamians’ money going to our neighboring states.

See you next week. Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.

LEE COUNTY — Capt. Tammy Booth Hollis was recently promoted from lieutenant to captain of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO), making her the first female captain in LCSO history.

Booth Hollis started with LSCO in October 2000 as a deputy in the Patrol Division. Throughout her career with LCSO, she has risen through the ranks within various divisions as an investigator, sergeant in the Investigations Division, lieutenant in the Patrol Division, and lieutenant in the Administrative Division.

“I am proud of each and every position because they have all provided me with different types

of knowledge and experiences,” Booth Hollis said. “I feel that each step and position along the way has prepared me for this captain position. My work in investigations is one that I am extremely proud of. It

was demanding, challenging and stressful at times, but it also showed me how resilient people can be. Overall, each position I’ve held has given me different experiences,

See PROMOTION, page B11

Lee County Coroner’s Office To Receive Van

BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

LEE COUNTY —

The Lee County Commission voted to approve the purchase of new equipment for the Lee County Coroner’s Office.

“If you back up a number of years, there was a lot of controversy around the transportation of decedents and

exactly some ethical questions about that so former Coroner Harris signed an agreement with VIP transport to do these decedent transportations and they went out of business on Nov. 18,” said Lee County Coroner Daniel Sexton.

Since that time, the coroner’s office has been renting a truck under emergency rules and procedures.

“The bodies, we still have to get them moved and so it’s a public health and emergency issue,” Sexton said.

It’s been almost 90 days since the coroner's office lost its transport system and Sexton requested of the county purchase of a van for the office.

“Looking at the numbers, off the state See COMMISSION, page B11

334-705-8858

TAMMY BOOTH HOLLIS

A Sportswriter, the “Ghoul Pool” and Betting on Trial Verdicts

the web. “The concept is to place a bet on which celebrity will be the next to kick the bucket. Tasteless? Bad karma? Or just plain fun? Dead Pool grew popular in motorsports where viewers would place bets on racers who might not make it.”

Another angle on death was shown when Thurman Munson, a star New York Yankees baseball catcher, was killed while practicing landings in his aircraft at Akron-Canton Airport in Ohio. He was 32 years old. I was still working at the Journal-Bulletin when that happened.

that were being hosted by Munson both survived the accident, which occurred when the plane hit a tree stump and burst into flames. Flight instructor Dave Hall received burns on his arms and hands, and Munson’s friend Jerry Anderson received burns on his face, arm and neck.

pay close attention to whether the prosecutors or the defense lawyers made the most sense in their arguments and presented the most believable evidence.

development. When a political leader dies, a monsoon of photos of the person’s career quickly arrives across the wires and web.

OPINION —

Iwas a copyboy at the Providence JournalBulletin in Rhode Island from 1978 to 1981.

Every December, quirky editors invited employees to participate in the “ghoul pool.” That was a competition to see who could predict the closest day to when the state had 100 traffic fatalities in that year. In the three years I worked there, ending when I went into the Army, 100 traffic fatalities were confirmed by the fall. (A Rhode Island transportation survey showed in 2022

that 67 traffic fatalities were recorded in 2021, so things are getting safer.)

In 1981, a soft-spoken sportswriter won for the third straight year. As usual, photos of him as a devil flooded the newsroom. But he won a lot of money for his accuracy. The “ghoul pool” was one method of people referring to death in an off-handed, casual way.

“You might know the film Deadpool, starring Ryan Reynolds, but you might not know that dead pool betting is a real thing,” according to Odds Ninja on

The tragedy was made worse by careless layout people. What happened: The front page had a side window that had the weather, lottery results, etc. The Munson story was below a headline that said, “Good Morning.” So it looked like the paper’s staff thought it was a “good” morning when they heard about the NY Yankees slugger’s demise over the skies. Tacky and disrespectful, that headline was circulated widely by other newspapers as an example of a terrible layout.

The two passengers

“Munson, however, was in a more precarious position,” noted Tom Livingston of newsnet5.com, in August 2012. “Unable to move due to what was originally thought to be the wrecked fuselage of the plane pinning him against his seat, Munson was trapped. Munson died of asphyxiation due to the inhalation of superheated air and toxic substances. Later it was revealed that Munson had suffered a cervical fracture on impact which resulted in paralysis.”

Much like the “ghoul pool” of the newspaper where I was a copyboy in the late 1970s, print and broadcast media members do often try to predict the outcomes of elections.

These journalists decide either after the actual trial or at the break when waiting for a verdict. The newsmen

According to prominent Texas law firm Varghese Summersett, “Some predictors of a jury verdict believe short deliberations mean jurors have found the defendant guilty, while longer deliberations mean they are leaning towards acquittal. Despite these theories, trying to protect the length of jury deliberations is generally a futile effort.”

Another perverse delight for journalists or anybody a little off their rocker is to predict when a famous person, who is in death throes, will die. For instance, in late 1979 and early 1980, President Josip Broz Tito of Yugoslavia was in and out of hospitals. So we were trying to divine from God, tea leaves and who knows what else when Tito would die.

Tito left this mortal coil in May 1980. Page designers and editors do not enjoy the long goodbye of a celebrity or leader because they will have to update their story with every

When I was 14, my friend David and I went to the movie theater. We got there early since we were anxious to see a James Bond 007 movie, “Diamonds Are Forever.” We said, but not strongly enough to be heard by other movie-goers, “Hurry up and die, girl.” That was from “Love Story.” We wanted to see Sean Connery, not Ryan O’Neal. Just eight years later, I would be following the number of traffic deaths to do well in the “ghoul pool.” But the sportswriter Art beat all of us out. What was his secret?

Greg Markley moved to Lee County in 1996. He has a master’s in education from AUM and a master’s in history from Auburn University. He taught politics as an adjunct in Georgia and Alabama.

An award-winning writer in the Army and civilian life, he has contributed to The Observer since 2011. He writes on politics, education and books. gm.markley@ charter.net.

GREG MARKLEY

The Supporting Families of the Fallen Act Goes Into Effect

CONTRIBUTED BY THE OFFICE OF THE SEN. TOMMY TUBERVILLE

ALABAMA —

The Supporting Families of the Fallen Act — Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s legislation to raise maximum coverage amounts offered under Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI) and Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) plans by $100,000 — went into effect Wednesday, March 1.

Last October, President Joe Biden signed the Supporting Families of the Fallen Act after it unanimously passed in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, making it Tuberville’s first standalone bill to become law. In December, Tuberville’s second standalone bill — which corrected an issue with G.I. Bill benefit transfers — was also signed into law, a considerable achievement for a freshman senator in the minority party. The Supporting Families of the Fallen Act provides the first increase to VGLI and SGLI maximum coverage amounts since

2005. Multiple groups have praised the legislation, including the Military Officers Association of America and Wounded Warrior Project. As Alabama’s voice on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Tuberville is committed to bringing about small, but meaningful changes for veterans and their families.

Tuberville’s statement about the Supporting Families of the Fallen Act becoming law reads as follows:

“The families of America’s heroes deserve our unwavering support and appreciation,” said Senator Tuberville. “Increasing the life insurance benefit provided to families of those who pay the ultimate sacrifice was long overdue, and I am proud to see this important legislation signed into law. We can never fully repay our service members and military families for their sacrifice, but I am committed to finding ways to show our appreciation by doing everything I can to support our troops and their loved ones.”

PROMOTION >>

FROM B9

skillsets and even life viewpoints that I feel contribute not only to my law enforcement career, but also me as a person. Life shapes who you are, and I can say that my job has been a huge part of that.”

In her new role as captain of the Administrative Division, Booth Hollis will oversee LCSO’s school resource officers, communications officers (dispatch), civil process servers, clerks, guardianship agent, community relations specialist and IT technician.

“I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and look forward to continuing

COMMISSION >>

FROM B9

bid list and other items, I believe that we can do this for … $58,000 or less,” he said.

The coroner or deputies will drive the van, for now and it will be kept at the Bennie Adkins Meeting Center where the coroner's office is located.

Flat fees collected from the cities of Auburn, Opelika and Smiths Station for reimbursement of transportation costs will stay the

Kiwansis Club Hosts Council Member

to serve the citizens of Lee County in my new position as captain,” she said. “Anything I can ever do to help anyone, or any questions that they need answered, I encourage them to give me a call.”

Booth Hollis has a Master of Science degree in criminal justice administration from Columbia Southern University. She is a graduate of the 258th class at the FBI National Academy, the first female graduate of the academy to come from LCSO.

“I am proud of achieving my law enforcement dream of attending the FBI National Academy, Class No. 258 in 2014,” Booth Hollis said. “This was a

same for now, Sexton said.

"Well, I'm not going to let you borrow my truck, so with that, I make a motion [to approve the purchase],” said District 1 Commissioner Doug Cannon.

Additionally, the coroner's office needs a storage system, which may cost the county anywhere from $60,000 to $100,000 for a cooler that could hold up to 20 bodies, Sexton said. He said that he wanted to start the discussion about the topic.

lifelong dream that opened up all kinds of experiences that I treasure to this day.”

As for her future, Booth Hollis said she looks forward to continuing to help the citizens of Lee County and working together with those citizens to make the world a better place. She also looks forward to continuing to be a strong role model for young women.

“I have a young daughter, and I want her to feel like she can be or do anything,”

Booth Hollis said. “I want to show young women thinking about taking this career path that they can do this if they choose to. Before you know it, you might be captain after starting as just a ‘little girl police.’”

OTHER BUSINESS:

- The commission heard an annual report from the Lee County Emergency Management Agency. - The commission heard and voted on the second reading of an opening on the Lee County Recreation Board for Beulah, District 4.

- The commission heard and voted on the second reading of an opening on the Lee County Recreation Board for Smiths Station, District 3.

“If you would like to see a dedicated public safety professional who is committed to the ideal of ‘service above self,’ then look to Captain Tammy Booth Hollis,” said Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones. “Tammy has accepted every challenge presented to her and has performed at a level far in excess of what may be considered the standard.

“That is a strong statement because our agency prides itself in going beyond the expected. Her experience in various divisions within our office has positioned her well for the demands that she will face. She is a professional peace officer. We are all very proud of her.”

- The commission approved an educational reimbursement request for the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

- The commission approved a bid for equipment installation for the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

- The commission approved a bid for crack sealing on various Lee County roads.

- The commission discussed the hiring of a human resources director for Lee County and updated the job description.

Auburn Rotary Club Raises Money, Learns About 'Brain Camp'

Pictured top, the Auburn Rotary Club is raising money for The Rotary Foundation by recently completing “Foundation Football,” where members compete to predict college and NFL winners (and losers). Once pledges are paid, the club will have raised $4,500. The club member who won the big trophy is Herb White, for predicting the most wins (far right in picture). Tom Guffen (far left) is also a winner for predicting the worst teams (thus the small trophy). In the middle is Brad Wilson, who shared this successful fundraising activity.

2023, the club enjoyed a presentation by Dr. Jenny Robinson (pictured on the bottom) on the highly successful “Brain Camp” held on the campus of Auburn University. The special camp allows young people the opportunity to learn so many things about the brain, thus encouraging interest in the sciences, and in particular, the study of the brain. Pictured with Robinson is club president Judd Langham.

Last week, the speaker at the Opelika Kiwanis Club meeting was Opelika Ward 3 City Council Member Tim Aja. The club said it is always a pleasure to hear from one of the community leaders.

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF HENRY CARSON JACKSON, JR. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

CASE NUMBER 2023-060

Letters Testamentary on the Estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 10th day of February, 2023 by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate of said county in said State, notice is hereby given that all persons having c]aims against said estate are required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Laurel Jackson Buckalew, Executor of the Estate of Henry Carson Jackson, Jr.,

Deceased

Name and Address of

Attorney:

Catherine H. Richardson, Esq. Michael P. Dalton, Esq. Capell & Howard, P.C. Post Office Box 2069 Montgomery, Alabama 36102-2069

Legal Run 02/16/2023, 02/23/2023, 03/02/2023

SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION

SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION IN THE FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, UTAH COUNTY, STATE OF UTAH, FOURTH DISTRICT COURT 137 NORTH FREEDOM BOULEVARD, PROVO, UTAH 84601, CASE NUMBER 234400194

JUDGE BRADY, PETITION FOR DIVORCE: Garenton

Flowers. THE STATE OF UTAH TO GARENTON

FLOWERS: You are hereby informed that you have thirty (30) days to file a response in this proceeding if you wish to contest the Petition for Divorce. Failure to file a response within thirty (30) days of this notice will result in a judgment by default entering against you and the divorce being finalized without your involvement. Any response to this notice and the divorce proceeding must be filed with the Fourth Judicial District Court, Provo, Utah County, Utah at the address listed above, and a copy shall be mailed to Petitioner’s attorney, John S. Larsen, at 75 South 300 W., Provo, Utah 84601. Legal Run 02/09/23, 02/16/23, 02/23/2023 & 03/02/23

---------------

TO: OMAR BROOKS

A Petition for Step-Parent Adoption and to Terminate Parental Rights of the two minor twin children, O.P.M and A.M.M., born to Shadonna Marks having been filed by Dorian and Kimberly Brooks, hereby serves notice of the following:

Pursuant to O.C.G.A. §19-810(c)(1), When notice is given pursuant to subsection (b) of this Code section, it shall advise such living parent that shall not be a party to the adoption and shall have no obligation to file an answer, but shall have the right to appear in the pending adoption proceeding and show cause why such parent’s rights to the children who is the subject of the proceeding should not be terminated by that adoption.

Let all interested persons show cause before me, if any they can, by filing responsive pleadings within sixty (60) days of the last day of the publication for this notice with the Troup County Clerk of Superior Court, State of Georgia and to serve upon the Petitioner’s attorney, Lonnie J. Haralson, IV

P.O. Box 3597, LaGrange, Georgia 30241 said responsive.

Legal Run 02/23/2023, 03/02/2023, 03/09/2023 & 03/16/2023

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA FAMILY

COURT DIVISION:

DOMESTIC RELATIONS

PATRICK D. SLATTERY, Maternal Grandfather, vs. GUY T. SMITH AND AMANDA Q. SMITH, Natural Parents DR-2022-900274.00

NOTICE OF CUSTODY

ACTION

AMANDA Q. SMITH, whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer

PATRICK D. SLATTERY'S petition for custody and other relief by April 10, 2023, or, thereafter, a judgment by default may he rendered against her in Case No. DR-2022-900274.00, in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama.

DONE This the 6th day of Feb. 2022.

MARY B. ROBERSON, CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Jem1ifer M. Chambliss Samford & Denson, LLP P. 0. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345

Attorney for the Plaintiff Legal Run 02/16/2023, 02/23/2023, 03/02/2023 & 03/09/2023

--------------TAKE NOTICE that JRBC Holdings, LLC

(“JRBC”) has filed with the Lee County Commission a petition to vacate all of Lee Road 196. Said petition states that Lee Road 196 runs entirely through and ends within the property owned on all sides by JRBC. A public hearing on JRBC’s petition is set at the regularly scheduled meeting of the Lee County Commission at 5:00 P.M. on Monday, April 24, 2023, at the Lee County Courthouse, 215 South 9th Street, Opelika, Alabama. At the conclusion of the public hearing, the Commission may take final action on JRBC’s petition. Any citizen claiming to be affected by the proposed vacation may submit a written objection to the Lee County Commission or may request an opportunity to be heard at the public hearing.

Blake L. Oliver, Samford & Denson, LLP, P.O. Box 2345, Opelika, AL 36803-2345, 745-3504

Legal Run 02/23/2023, 03/02/2023, 03/09/2023 & 03/16/2023

--------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE:THE ESTATE OF FANNIE H. JAMES, DECEASED.

Case No. 2023-040

TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to David T. Linthicum, as Executor of the Estate of Fannie H. James, deceased, on the 31st day of January, 2023, by the Honorable Bill English.

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that all persons having claims against the Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same be barred.

David T. Linthicum, Executrix Of the Estate of Fannie H. James, Deceased Marrell J. McNeal, Attorney at Law, PC PO Box 308 Opelika, AL 36803 334-745-7033

Legal Run 02/23/2023, 03/02/2023 & 03/09/2023

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

In the Matter of Slade Jackson – an alleged incapacitated person

NOTICE OF HEARING:

TO: Any relative or interested party: Lee County OHR has filed a Petition to appoint a Legal Guardian for the person of Slade Jackson. A hearing has been set for the 30th day of March, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. central time, electronically via "ZOOM".

Please contact the Lee County Probate Court at 334-737- 3670 for access to the electronic hearing should you intend to take part in the hearing of this matter.

BILL ENGLISH - Lee County Probate Judge Margaret A. Mayfield

Attorney for Lee County DHR Post Office Box 809 Opelika, AL 36803 (334) 745-0333 Legal Run 02/23/2023, 03/02/2023, & 03/09/2023

Opelika Self Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location and time indicated: 710 Columbus Pkwy, Opelika AL 36801

PUBLIC NOTICES

3300 Boromville Rd Hurtsboro, AL 36860

Furniture, misc Corene Miles – Units 1050 & 1053 1471 Lee Rd 112 Opelika, AL 36804

Furniture, boxes, misc

The auction will be listed and advertised on www. lockerfox.com. Purchases must be made with credit card only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Opelika Self Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property. Legal Run 03/02/2023

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CV-2023-900059 METRO PROPERTIES, an Alabama General Partnership

Plaintiff,

V.

A Parcel of Land Lying in Lee County, Alabama, to wit: Commencing at the northeast corner of Section 12, Township 19 North, Range 26 East, of Lee County, Alabama; thence S00°28’00”E a distance of 477.40 feet more or less to a point in the southerly rightof-way of Renfro Avenue; thence following said rightof-way S88°41’00”E a distance of 5.40 feet to a found 5/8-inch rebar at the intersection of the southerly right-of-way of Renfro Avenue and the Westerly right-of-way of North Long Street; thence along said westerly right-ofway the following two (2) calls: (1) S01°08'43"W a distance of 425.14 feet more or less, to a point; (2) S03°55'00"E a distance of 17.80 feet more or less, to a point in the southerly right-of-way of Bud Court; thence along said right-ofway the following two (2) calls: (1) S87°32'19"W a distance of 138.68 feet more or less, to a found 1-inch pinch pipe; (2) S88°47'47"W a distance of 60.00 feet more or less, to the Point of Beginning: thence from said Point of Beginning S01°12'13"E a distance of 110.00 feet more or less, to a point; thence N88°47'35"E a distance of 60.00 feet more or less, to a found 1-inch pinch pipe; thence S87°29'21"E a distance of 28.93 feet more or less, to a found 1-inch pinch pipe; thence S00°24'54"E a distance of 7.79 feet more or less, to a point; thence S03°20'24"W a distance of 100.00 feet more or less, to a point; thence N89°24'36"W a distance of 144.00 feet more or less, to a found 1/2-inch pipe; thence N01°42'52"W a distance of 214.85 feet more or less, to a point; thence N88°47'47"E a distance of 65.00 feet more or less, to the Point of Beginning, and containing therein 0.528 acres (23,004 Square feet).; an Unknown persons who may claim an interest in said property whose identities are unknown and who cannot by reasonable diligence be ascertained, Defendants.

NOTICE OF ACTION

To: All Defendants herein, whose whereabouts are unknown and which cannot be ascertained after the exercise of reasonable diligence.

You are hereby notified that on the 10th day of February 2023, a Bill to Quiet Title was filed in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama, regarding the following described real property: Commencing at the northeast corner of Section 12, Township 19 North, Range 26 East, of Lee County, Alabama; thence S00°28’00”E a distance of 477.40 feet more or less to a point in the southerly rightof-way of Renfro Avenue; thence following said right-of-way S88°41’00”E a distance of 5.40 feet to a found 5/8-inch rebar at the intersection of the southerly right-of-way of Renfro Avenue and the Westerly right-of-way of North Long Street; thence along said

westerly right-of-way the following two (2) calls: (1) S01°08'43"W a distance of 425.14 feet more or less, to a point; (2) S03°55'00"E a distance of 17.80 feet more or less, to a point in the southerly right-of-way of Bud Court; thence along said right-ofway the following two (2) calls: (1) S87°32'19"W a distance of 138.68 feet more or less, to a found 1-inch pinch pipe; (2) S88°47'47"W a distance of 60.00 feet more or less, to the Point of Beginning, thence from said Point of Beginning S01°12'13"E a distance of 110.00 feet more or less, to a point; thence N88°47'35"E a distance of 60.00 feet more or less, to a found 1-inch pinch pipe; thence S87°29'21"E a distance of 28.93 feet more or less, to a found 1-inch pinch pipe; thence S00°24'54"E a distance of 7.79 feet more or less, to a point; thence S03°20'24"W a distance of 100.00 feet more or less, to a point; thence N89°24'36"W a distance of 144.00 feet more or less, to a found 1/2-inch pipe; thence N01°42'52"W a distance of 214.85 feet more or less, to a point; thence N88°47'47"E a distance of 65.00 feet more or less, to the Point of Beginning, and containing therein 0.528 acres (23,004 Square feet).

All persons having an interest in said lands or any portion thereof, claiming any title thereto or any encumbrance or lien thereon, are hereby directed to plead, answer, or otherwise respond to the Complaint on or before the expiration of 30 days after the last publication of this notice, or thereafter suffer judgment by default to be rendered against them it being intended that this notice shall be used to perfect service against all parties who cannot be personally served with a copy of the Complaint. Done this the 23rd day of February, 2023.

Mary Roberson Circuit Court Clerk, Lee County Benjamin H. Parr 830 Avenue A, Suite A Opelika, Alabama 36801

Telephone Number: 334-749-6999 Fax: 334-203-1875 ben@benparrlaw.com Legal Run 03/02/2023, 03/09/2023, 03/16/2023, & 03/23/2023

NOTICE OF CIVIL ACTION

Joseph Michael Nagy, whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer AubumBank's complaint for Breach of Contract, Unjust Enrichment, Open AccountNate, Account Stated, and Money Lent by March 30, 2023, or, thereafter, a judgment by default may be rendered against him in case number 43-SM-2022900013.00, Circuit Court of Lee County.

Done the 20th day of February, 2023. Mary Roberson Circuit Court Clerk, Lee Count Blake L. Oliver SAMFORD & DENSON, LLP

P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345

Telephone (334) 745-3504

Facsimile (334) 745-3506

Email: olivcr@samfordlaw.com Attorney for AubumBank Legal Run 03/02/2023, 03/09/2023, 03/16/2023, & 03/23/2023

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF FRANCES R. BARNEY, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Case No.: 2023-072

Letters of Administration of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 21st day of February, 2023, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

RODNEY A. BARNEY, JR.

Administrator Robert H. Pettey SAMFORD & DENSON, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345

(334) 745-3504 Legal Run 03/02/23, 03/09/23

& 03/16/23

NOTICE OF COMPLETION

LEGAL NOTICE

In Accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, notice is hereby given that BRAWCO, INC., Contractor, has completed the contract for Renovation of: AU

Project Name: Greene Hall – Rm 130 (Mechanical), Concrete Beam Repairs, AU

Project No.: 21-310 At Auburn University, Alabama For the State of Alabama and the county, city of Auburn, Owner(s), and have made request for final settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify LBYD Engineers, 1100 South College Street, Suite 201, Auburn, AL 36832 BRAWCO, INC 4040 FARR ROAD BESSEMER, AL 35022

NOTE; This notice must run once a week for four successive weeks for projects exceeding $50,000. For projects of $50,000 or less, run one time only. A copy of the publisher’s affidavit of publication (including a copy of the advertisement) shall be submitted by the Contractor to the Design Professional for inclusion with DCM Form B-13: Final Payment Checklist for state agencies, PSCA-funded and other bond-funded projects. Legal Run 03/02/2023, 03/09/2023, 03/16/2023, & 03/23/2023

ORDINANCE NO. 005-23

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 27 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA BY ADDING NEW ARTICLE II ENTITLED “TREE OR PLANT PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT”

BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”), as follows:

Section 1. Amendment to Chapter 27 of the Code of Ordinances, adoption of new Article II. That Chapter 27 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Opelika, Alabama, is hereby amended by adding thereto a new Article to be numbered II, which said article shall read as follows:

ARTICLE II

TREE OR PLANT PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT

Sec. 27-20. General purposes. This Article is intended:

(a) to improve the City’s image and aesthetic charm and beauty;

(b) to enhance the quality of life and the present and future health, safety and welfare of all citizens;

(c) to ensure the proper planting and care of trees on public property;

(d) to delegate to the Public Works Director the authority and responsibility of managing public trees;

(e) to provide standards in the removal and replacement of trees on public property;

(f) to make provision for the emergency removal of trees and vegetation on private property under certain conditions.

Sec. 27-21. Definitions.

As used in this Article, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings indicated:

(a) City -- The City of Opelika in the County of Lee in the State of Alabama.

(b) Damage – any injury to or destruction of a tree, including but not limited to: uprooting; severance of all or part the root system or main trunk; storage of material on or compaction of surrounding soil; a substantial change in the natural grade above a root system or around a trunk; surrounding the tree with impervious paving materials; or any trauma caused by accident or collision.

(c) Director – Director of the Public Works Department of the City of Opelika, Alabama

(d) High voltage overhead power line – an overhead electric transmission line that transmits power at a voltage level of 7200 volts or more.

(e) Nuisance tree – any tree, or limb thereof, that has an infectious disease, decay, rot, or insect; is dead or dying; obstructs the view of traffic signs or the free passage of pedestrians or vehicles; or threatens public health, safety and welfare.

(f) Owner – the record owner of real property or the occupant or a person with the right to exercise control over the property.

(g) Parkway – the area along a public street between the curb and the sidewalk; or if there is no curb or sidewalk, the unpaved portion of the area between the street rightof- way line and the paved portion of the street or alley.

(h) Person – includes a corporation, company, partnership, firm, association, or society as well as a natural person.

(i)Public property – real property owned or controlled by the City with unrestricted public access, including public street rights-of-way, but excluding a utility or drainage easement on private property.

(j) Public tree – any tree or woody vegetation on cityowned or city-maintained property or right-of-way.

(k) Right-of-way -- means and includes a public street, public right-of-way, public highway, public alley or public way designated as part of the City street system or designated as part of the state highway system. The words “street” or “public right-ofway” shall mean the entire street or highway right-ofway from property line to property line, including sidewalks and parkways.

(l) Top or Topping – the non-standard practice of cutting back of limbs to stubs within a tree’s crown to such a degree so as to remove the normal canopy and disfigure the tree.

Sec. 27-22. Authority and power.

(a) Delegation of authority and responsibility. The Director of the Public Works Department and/or his designee, hereinafter referred to as the “Director”, shall have full authority and responsibility to plant, prune, maintain and remove trees and woody plants growing in or upon all municipal streets, rights-of- ways, city parks, and other public property. This shall include the removal of trees that may threaten electrical, telephone, gas, or any municipal water or sewer line, or any tree that is affected by fungus, insect, or other pest disease.

(b) Coordination among city departments. All city departments will coordinate as necessary with the Director and will provide services as required to ensure compliance with this article as it relates to streets, alleys, rights-ofway and other public properties not under direct jurisdiction of the Director.

(c) Interference. No person shall hinder, prevent, delay, or interfere with the Director or his agents while engaged in carrying out the execution or enforcement of this article.

Sec. 27.23. Tree planting and care standards.

(a) Standards. All planting and maintenance of public trees shall conform to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A-300 "Standards for Tree Care Operations" and shall follow all tree care Best Management Practices (BMPs) published by the International Society of Arboriculture.

(b) Requirements of franchise utility companies. The trimming or removal of trees in public rights-of-way by utility companies and their contractors or agents shall conform to all applicable utility industry standards. Trimming or pruning shall comply with ANSI A300 standards.

(c) Preferred species list. The Director shall maintain an official list of desirable tree species for planting on public property in two size classes: Ornamental (20 feet or less in height at maturity) and Shade (greater than 20 feet at maturity). Trees from this approved list may be planted without special permission; other species may be planted with written approval from the Director.

(d)Planting distances. The Director shall develop and maintain an official set of spacing requirements for the planting of trees on public property. No tree may be planted within the visibility

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BECOME A PUBLISHED

PUBLIC

NOTICES

triangle of a street intersection or within ten (10) feet of a fire hydrant. For purposes of this subsection (d), “visibility triangle” shall mean the areas along an intersection’s approach legs and across the included corners as specified in the City of Opelika Public Works Manual.

(e) Planting trees under electric utility lines. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to plant a tree under or within fifteen (15) feet of a high voltage overhead power line. Only trees listed as Ornamental trees on the official city tree species list may be planted under or within fifteen (15) lateral feet of any low or medium voltage overhead utility line.

(f) Underground utility lines. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to plant a tree over or within ten (10) lateral feet of any underground utility line, including, but not limited to water mains, sewer lines, electric transmission lines, coaxed cable lines and fiber optic lines.

(g) Protection of public trees during construction. Any person, firm, corporation, or city department performing construction near any public tree must employ industry standard (ISA, BMP’s “Managing Trees During Construction”) measures to protect the tree, including, but not limited to, placing barriers around the tree to prevent damage.

Sec. 27-24. Prohibition against harming public trees.

(a) It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to damage, remove, or cause the damage or removal of a tree on public property without written permission from the Director.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to attach any cable, wire or signs or any other object to any street, park, or public tree.

(c) It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to “top” any public tree. Trees severely damaged by storms or other causes, where best pruning practices are impractical may be exempted from this provision at the determination of the Director.

Sec. 27-25. Adjacent owner responsibility.

(a) The owner of land adjacent to any city street or highway, when acting within the provisions of this article, may plant and maintain trees in the adjacent parkway area. Property owners are responsible for the reasonable and routine maintenance of trees and other landscaping in the adjacent parkway area.

(b) No property owner shall allow a tree, or other plant growing on his or her property or within the adjacent parkway to obstruct or interfere with pedestrians or the view of motorists, thereby creating a hazard. If an obstruction persists, the Director shall notify the property owner to prune or remove the tree or plant. If the owner fails to comply with the notice, the City may undertake the necessary work and charge the cost to the property owner. Trees located on private land are the property and responsibility of the owner of such land.

The City accepts no responsibility for the management of trees on private property beyond what is necessary to

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accomplish its lawful activities on such land pursuant to this section.

Sec. 27-26. Planting near sidewalks.

(a) It shall be unlawful for any property owner or agent to plant, maintain or permit a tree, hedge, or vegetation to overgrow or obstruct a sidewalk.

(b) The owner shall trim tree limbs growing over a sidewalk at a minimum clearance of 14 feet above the street level measured at the nearest curb line.

Sec. 27-27. Clearance of limbs and foliage—streets. It shall be unlawful for any property owner or occupant to permit the limbs, branches and/or foliage of any tree or shrub upon such property to project into or extend over any street or highway, in such a manner that there shall be a clearance of less than 14 feet between the street surface and such limbs, branches and/or foliage.

Sec. 27-28. Proximity of trees and shrubs to fire hydrant. It shall be unlawful for any property owner to plant, maintain or permit any tree closer than ten (10) feet to a fire hydrant or any shrub or bush closer than six (6) feet to a fire hydrant.

Sec. 27-29 Certain trees declared a nuisance.

(a) Any tree, or limb thereof, on private property determined by the Director to have contracted a lethal, communicable disease or insect; to be dead or dying; to obstruct the view of traffic signs or the free passage of pedestrians or vehicles; or that threatens public health, safety, and welfare is declared a nuisance and the City may require its treatment or removal.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any property owner or occupant to permit to stand upon his property any dead tree, any dead part of a tree, any fatally diseased or structurally weak tree, or any structurally weak part of a tree, which is a menace to public safety, which endangers any public right-ofway, or which endangers any building or other property.

(c) Private property owners have the duty, at their own expense, to remove or treat nuisance trees on their property. The City may remove such trees at the owner's expense if the owner does not comply with treatment and/or removal as specified by the Director within the written notification period.

(d) When in the judgment of the Director of Opelika Power Services, a tree interferes with the safe and reliable operation of the electric power system along a street right-of-way and cannot be pruned in accordance with ANSI A300 standards so as to provide the required clearance, Opelika Power Services may offer to remove the tree and request replacement planting by the City with a species and in a location mutually agreeable to the Director of Opelika Power Services and the property owner. Such trees may be placed on public land or private property, within the limitations of this section. Sec. 27-30. Notice to remove. Upon the discovery of any tree or vegetation in violation of the provisions of this article, the Director shall notify the owner or his/her agent, the lessee, or the occupant of the property whereon such violation exists of such violation and order such owner or occupant to remove such tree or vegetation or to bring such tree or vegetation into

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compliance with the provi-

sions of this article. The notice under this section must include:

(a) a description of the corrective action required.

(b) a statement that the corrective action must be complete not later than the 15th day after receipt of the notice.

Sec. 27-31.

Prosecution upon failure to comply with notice.

If, at the expiration of the date set forth in the notice provided for in Section 27-30, the owner or his/her agent, the lessee or the occupant of the property upon which a violation of the provisions of this article exists has refused to comply with such notice or such violation is allowed to continue, the Director may report such fact to a municipal court magistrate and file charges against such owner or occupant for the violation of this article.

Sec. 27-32. Removal by City.

If, upon the expiration of the time set out in the notice served under the provisions of Section 27-30, the owner or his/her agent, the lessee or the occupant refuses or neglects to comply with the notice, the Director shall have the authority to abate such violation by having the trees, shrubs or other vegetation removed or the violation otherwise brought into compliance with the provisions of this article. The costs of removal or abatement shall be paid by the person committing the violation and shall be assessed as a special assessment against the property whereon such violation existed. Any such costs and expenses in excess of $500.00 so assessed may be paid in installments as recommended by the Director and authorized by the City Council.

Sec. 27-33. Penalties for violation. Violations of the provisions of this article or failure to comply with any of its requirements shall constitute a misdemeanor. Any person who violates this article or fails to comply with any of its requirements shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) or imprisoned for not more than one hundred eighty (180) days or both, and in addition shall pay all costs and expenses involved in the case. Each day such violation continues shall be considered a separate offense. Nothing herein contained shall prevent the City from taking such other lawful actions necessary to prevent or remedy any violation.

Sec. 27-34. Injunctive relief and civil remedies.

(a)If any person has violated or continues to violate any provision of this article, the City may petition the appropriate court for preliminary and/or permanent injunction restraining the person from activities that would create violations of this article or compelling the person to perform corrective action and/or remediation of any violation.

(b)The City may also institute civil proceedings in a court of competent jurisdiction seeking monetary damages resulting from any violation of this article and may seek other equitable relief to enforce compliance with the provisions of this article or to enforce compliance with any lawful orders of the Director.

Sec. 27-35. Appeals. The decisions of the Director shall be final and binding upon all parties unless the property owner appeals to the

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GENERAC Standby

City Council. Any person receiving a notice of adverse decision from the Director, and wishing to appeal the same, shall file a written notice of appeal to the Director and City Clerk within ten (10) days from the date of the notice of the adverse action. The notice of appeal must contain a brief statement of the facts that support the appeal and why the Director’s decision should be reversed. The hearing on the appeal to the City Council shall be held within thirty (30) days of the notice of appeal. The decision of the City Council shall be final. Sec. 27-36. Severability. Severability is intended throughout and within the provisions of this article. If any section, clause, sentence, or phrase of this article shall be held to be invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such holding shall in no way affect any section, clause, subsection, sentence or phrase of this article. Section 2. Repealer Clause. All amendments or parts thereof which are in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict.

Section 3. Effective Date. This Ordinance and the provisions of article II of Chapter 27 of the Code of Ordinances shall take effect immediately upon its adoption, approval and publication as required by law.

Section 4. Publication. The City Clerk of the City of Opelika, Alabama is hereby authorized and directed to cause a copy of this Ordinance to be published one (1) time in a newspaper of general circulation published in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama. ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 21st day of February, 2023.

/s/ Eddie Smith PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA ATTEST:

/s/ Russell A. Jones, CMC CITY CLERK TRANSMITTED TO MAYOR on this the 22nd day of February, 2023.

/s/ Russell A. Jones, CMC CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR APPROVED this the 22nd day of February, 2023.

/s/ Gary Fuller MAYOR ATTEST:

/s/ Russell A. Jones, CMC CITY CLERK Legal Run 03/02/2023

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA 43-CV-2022-900376.00

BENJAMIN H. PARR, AS THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF LOUIS LEON DURR, JR., LATASHA DURR and FELICIA DURR THOMAS Plaintiff, V. Parcels of Land Lying in Lee County, Alabama, MONICA NELMS, and Unknown persons who may claim an interest in said property whose identities are unknown and who cannot by reasonable diligence be ascertained, Defendants.

NOTICE OF ACTION

To: All Defendants herein, whose whereabouts are unknown and which cannot be ascertained after the exercise of reasonable diligence.

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AUTOMOTIVE SUPPORT THE BLIND!

You are hereby notified that on the 26th day of October 2022, a Bill to Quiet Title was filed in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama, regarding the following described real property: LOTS 1, 2 AND 3 OF DURRNELMS SUBDIVISION, ACCORDING TO AND AS SHOWN BY THAT CERTAIN MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 21 AT PAGE 155, IN THE OFFICE OF THE JUDGE OF PROBATE OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA. (Also known as Lee County tax parcels 43-09-03-06-4-000-002.000, 43-09-03-06-4-000-003.000, 43-09-03-06-4-000-004.000, and 43-09-03-06-4-000005.000); AND FROM THE NORHWEST CORNER OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 6, TOWNSHIP 19 NORTH, RANGE 26 EAST IN LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA, RUN THENCE SOUTH 89 DEGREES 56 MINUTES EAST FOR 1,161.1 FEET TO AN IRON PIN; THENCE RUN SOUTH 00 DEGREES 04 MINUTES WEST FOR 415.9 FEET TO AN IRON PIN ON THE SOUTHERNLY MARGIN OF LEE COUNTY HIGHWAY NO. 54; THENCE RUN NORTH 81 DEGREES 05 MINUTES WEST, ALONG THE MARGIN OF SAID HIHGWAY, FOR 100.00 FEET TO THE IRON PIN AT THE POINT OF BEGINNING OF THE PROPERTY TO BE HEREIN DESCRIBED. FROM THIS POINT OF BEGINNING RUN THENCE NORTH 77 DEGREES 55 MINUTES WEST FOR 85.9 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 07 DEGREES 43 MINUTES WEST FOR 203.8 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 00 DEGREES 04 MINUTES WEST FOR 65.2 FEET TO AN IRON PIN; THENCE SOUTH 89 DEGREES 56 MINUTE EAST FOR 210 FEET; THENCE NORTH 81 DEGREES 04 MINUTES EAST FOR 34.0 FEET TO AN IRON PIN; THENCE NORTH 81 DEGREES 05 MINUTES WEST FOR 100.0 FEET TO AN IRON PIN; NORTH 00 DEGREES 04 MINUTES EAST FOR 200.00 FEET TO THE IRON POINT AT THE POINT OF THE BEGINNING. (Also known as Lee County Tax Parcel Number 43-09-03-06-4-000-014.000).

All persons having an interest in said lands or any portion thereof, claiming any title thereto or any encumbrance or lien thereon, are hereby directed to plead, answer, or otherwise respond to the Complaint on or before the expiration of 30 days after the last publication of this notice, or thereafter suffer judgment by default to be rendered against them it being intended that this notice shall be used to perfect service against all parties who cannot be personally served with a copy of the Complaint.

Done this the 27th day of

February, 2023.

Mary Roberson Circuit Court Clerk, Lee County

Benjamin H. Parr 830 Avenue A, Suite A Opelika, Alabama 36801

Telephone Number: 334-749-6999

Fax: 334-203-1875

ben@benparrlaw.com

Legal Run 03/02/23, 03/09/23, 03/16/23 & 03/23/23

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CITY OF OPELIKA ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT REGULAR MEETING AGENDA

300 Martin Luther King Blvd. March 14, 2023

TIME: 9:00 AM

A.VARIANCE

1. Dan Snavely, 304 Williamson Avenue, M-1 zoning district, Requesting a 10 foot side yard setback variance from the 30 foot side yard setback requirement to construct a 50x100 building addition.

2. Mike Maher, representative for Lee County Alabama Habitat for Humanity, 226 Cherry Avenue, R-3 zoning district, Requesting a 10 foot lot width variance from the 70 foot minimum lot width requirement to construct a single family home.

3. Manish Desai, 510 Geneva Street, C-2, GC-S zoning district, Requesting a 4.32 foot setback variance on the Geneva Street side from the 20 foot minimum side yard setback requirement to construct a 4,480 square foot office building.

4. J Manifold Construction, authorized representative for Jeremy Wolter, property owner, 314 3rd Avenue, R-2 zoning district, Requesting a 10.5 foot side yard setback variance from the 25 foot side yard on street requirement to construct a 29.7x 26.7 pool house.

5. Lamar Daniels, Premium Beverage Company, 1511 & 1507 First Avenue, M-1 zoning district, Requesting a 30 foot front yard setback variance from the 30 foot front yard setback requirement and requesting a 25 foot rear yard setback variance from the 30 foot rear yard setback requirement and requesting a 20 foot side yard setback variance from the 30 foot side yard setback requirement.

“In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Opelika will make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. If you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the ADA Coordinator 72 hours prior to the meeting at (334)705-5130.” Legal Run 03/02/2023

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of ROBERTA BROTHERS, Deceased Case No. 2023-090

NOTICE OF HEARING

TO: Wade McKinney, 5400 Big East Fort Rd., Franklin, TN 37064 AND ANY UNKNOWN heirs of ROBERTA BROTHERS, deceased

Notice is hereby given that a Petition to Probate the Last Will and Testament of the Estate of ROBERTA BROTHERS, deceased has been filed in the Lee County Probate Office. A hearing has been set for the 13th day of April, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. central time, electronically via “ZOOM”. Please contact the Lee County Probate Court at 334-737-3670 for access to the electronic hearing should you intend to take part in the hearing of the Petition to Probate the Last Will and Testament of the Estate of ROBERTA BROTHERS, deceased.